VVA CA State Council

Veterans Report - Week of November 20, 2006

Operation First Response
When wounded servicemembers are evacuated from the battlefield they often arrive for treatment with no personal items or suitable clothing. Operation First Response Backpacks are filled with clothing, hygiene items, and comfort items that include a handmade cot size quilt. OFR Backpacks are packed and sent to combat support hospitals (CHS) in Iraq, Landstuhl Army Medical Hospital in Germany, and other locations. Operation First Response is asking for monetary donations to fund the purchase of empty packs along with the items used to fill the pack. Operation First Response also asks for donations of the individual items used in the pack including empty backpacks. Visit (http://www.operationfirstresponse.org/) www.operationfirstresponse.org to learn how you can help.

Featured Job: Assistant Facility Security Officer
The main duty of the Facility Security Officer is to ensure that the company abides by the terms of the Security Agreement(s) it has, with one or more US government customers, to safeguard classified information entrusted to it at its facility under the terms of the National Industrial Security Program. This duty involves the oversight of security practices at the facility and cooperation with the Department of Defense and other Cognizant Security Agencies in maintaining a viable security program. The FSO is based at the home office and supported by one or more Assistant FSOs at that location and other sites. To find out more and apply, visit the official (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 112006_Job) job posting.

GI Bill Payment Rate
Your GI Bill monthly payment rate is determined by two factors: your student status (full time, half time, or part time) and your duty status. Your school determines your student status. In most cases you would be considered a full time student if you are taking 12 or more credits per semester.

Click here to see the current (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... B_Payments) GI Bill payment rates.

Remember, many schools offer free information packets they will mail you. You can request information from multiple schools at once by filling out a form on Military.com. With no obligation or cost, learning about different schools is a great way to take the first step. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 006_GIBILL) Click here to request information.

Get The Military Benefit Guide
Save time and money -- this guide will tell you everything you need to know about your benefits including the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, Military Pay, VA Loans, TRICARE and more. Supplies are limited -- (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 12006_Book) order one today.

VA Announces Grants for Homeless Programs
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced grants to numerous homeless programs around the nations. Some of the cities that include these programs are Antioch, Bakersfield, Menlo Park, San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, Calif.; Dayton and Kent, Ohio; Eugene and Portland, Oregon; Bethlehem, Philadelphia, and Pittsburg, Pa.; Caguas, Puerto Rico; Providence, R.I.; Greenwood, S.C.; New Haven, Conn.; Promise and Parade, S.D.; Kissimmee and Miami, Fl.; Rapid City, S.D.; Memphis and Nashville, Tenn.; Topeka, Kan.; Louisville, Ky.; Las Vegas, N.M.; Baltimore, Md.; and Minneapolis, Minn.

VA Committed to Employ Disabled Veterans
As our Nation celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and marks the 16th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, VA Secretary Nicholson has reaffirmed his commitment to make VA the "employer of choice" for disabled veterans' and to help disabled veterans find productive jobs throughout our society. In addition to being a leader in hiring disabled veterans, VA also tops the federal sector in contracting with businesses owned by disabled veterans. A recent edition of Veterans Business Journal noted that 2.2 percent of VA's fiscal year 2005 contracts were with service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses, more than any other cabinet department. For more information on veterans' benefits, visit (http://www.vba.va.gov/) http://www.vba.va.gov/.

Introducing Kit Up!
Military.com just launched Kit Up! Members list all the stuff you weren't issued but couldn't have done without during your military life. Kit Up! can be a device, software, book, DVD, or a resource like a website, chat room, or blog. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 2006_KitUp) Take a look now.

Central Florida Vet-Net Meeting
The Veteran's Business Network of Central Florida invites you to a Vet-Net Meeting on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Imperial's Hotel and Conference Center at Wickham Road and I-95 in Melbourne, Fla. The purpose of the meeting is for veterans? businesses to network, grow, and thrive. For more information and to register, call The Florida Small Business Development Center at Brevard Community College at (321) 433-5570.

Join the largest (http://benefits.military.com/vcn/search.do) Veteran Career Network and get connected with over 400,000 veterans. Find veterans working in companies, government agencies, career fields, industries or locations that interest you.

Veterans Symposium Report Released
Hundreds of veterans, active duty military, family members, government, business and educational leaders met in Chicago in October to discuss and recommend opportunities to improve America's veterans benefits system. The results of the work completed at the National Symposium for the Needs of Young Veterans have been released in a report that is available in (http://www.amvets.org/Assets/pdfs/Amvet ... _FINAL.pdf) .pdf format.

American Legion Urges Benefits for Lou Gehrig's Disease
A recent study conducted by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has concluded that there is "a limited and suggestive association between the development of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and military service." The American Legion is hopeful that IOM?s conclusions will guide researchers in identifying the risk factors that make servicemembers more susceptible.

For more information, or to join The American Legion go to (http://www.legion.org/join) http://www.legion.org/join.

Snowsports Camps for Disabled Veterans
Disabled veterans from across the nation are encouraged to make arrangements to attend a free snowsports camp to be held March 11- 16, 2007 in Sun Valley, Idaho. The camp is open to injured veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Veterans injured in Iraq or Afghanistan who are already live in Idaho and Oregon should register for their own exclusive camp which will be held January 11 ? 16, 2007. Those interested can download a flyer at (http://www.svasp.org/) http://www.svasp.org or call 208-726-9298. For more information on the 2007 Colorado clinic that will be held April 1 through April 6, 2007, visit (http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven) http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven.

Committee Chairman Vows More Oversight
Greater congressional oversight of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and more open discussions of rising recruiting and retention challenges are two likely outcomes of Democrats taking control in January. Rep. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=354&lvl=C&chamber=H) Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), who will chair the House Armed Services Committee, said wartime declines in recruit quality will be examined as well as worrisome trends in retention. Skelton is particularly concerned about an exodus of Army senior captains and junior majors with 10 or more years. The armed services committee will bolster its supervisory role by reestablishing the subcommittee on oversight and investigations. Republicans dismantled the panel on gaining control of the House in 1995.

Additional Wounded Warrior Legislation to be Introduced
U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S) Larry Craig announced recently that he will soon introduce legislation to expand benefits for veterans not covered under current provisions of the Wounded Warrior benefit. The expanded definition, if adopted by Congress, will allow servicemembers injured outside the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of operation -- from October 7, 2001, but before December 1, 2005 -- to receive payment for serious injures. Officially know as (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... protection) Traumatic Injury Protection under SGLI (TSGLI), the original legislation created a new benefit rider last year to the Servicemembers? Group Life Insurance Program (SGLI). For more information on Traumatic Injury Protection, visit (http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/TSGLI.htm) http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/TSGLI.htm.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 61&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Time to Talk About Medicare Part D
Medicare prescription drug coverage is available to everyone with Medicare, including TRICARE for Life beneficiaries. However, for nearly all TRICARE-Medicare beneficiaries, there is no added value in purchasing Medicare prescription drug coverage. The exception to this general rule may be for those with limited incomes and assets who qualify for Medicare's extra help with prescription drug plan costs. A tip sheet for TRICARE-Medicare eligible beneficiaries is available at (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/dow ... aretip.pdf) www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/tricaretip.pdf. A comparison chart of Medicare, TRICARE and VA Prescription Drug Coverage available on the (http://www.tricare.osd.mil/medicarepart ... _Chart.pdf) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Website. A new tip sheet for partners on the Medicare Part D 2007 Formulary Changes is available at (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/dow ... hanges.pdf) http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/dow ... hanges.pdf.

To learn more about TRICARE, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE webpage.

Veteran Business Development Conference in Va.
The Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center and the Small Business Administration invite you to the Veteran Procurement Business Conference at the Thomas Nelson Community College's Peninsula Workforce Development Center, 600 Butler Farm Road in Hampton, VA on November 30, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advanced registration is required. The cost is $15 per person, lunch included. To register, call (757) 865-3128 or (757) 865-3126.

Deal of the Week: Motorola RAZR V3 Sale
For just $79.99 get the unique, ultra thin RAZR V3 in black, blue, silver or pink. Features quad band, long-range Bluetooth capabilities & VGA camera. PLUS! Take an additional $25 off your order. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 12006_Deal) Shop Cingular 24/7.

Veterans Report - Week of November 27, 2006

Commander Advises Discretion in Cyberspace
General Paul V. Hester, the Pacific Air Forces commander, stressed recently that what is posted on the Internet could get pieced together with other information that could jeopardize yourself, your family or your fellow servicemembers. MySpace, You Tube, Live Journal and Face Book are some of the social networking websites where servicemembers need to be particularly cautious even when communicating with family and friends.

Public Warned About E-mail Scam
Social Security has issued a warning about a new email scam message that is being circulated with the subject "Cost-of-Living for 2007 update." The message redirects the reader to a website designed to look like Social Security's Internet website. Once directed to the phony website, the individual is asked register by giving personal information such as the individual's Social Security number, bank account information and credit card information. To report receipt of this email message or other suspicious activity to Social Security's Office of Inspector General (OIG), call the OIG Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. A Public Fraud Reporting form is also available online at (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/oig) OIG's website.

Featured Job: Electronic Technician Maintenance II
Integrated Technology Solutions is actively searching for an SCA Electronic Technician Maintenance II to support the Naval Air Station North Island, Southern California Offshore Range (SCORE) contract, San Diego, CA. Candidate will operate and perform maintenance on electronic systems for use onboard Naval aircraft and surface watercraft; handle, load, and process in-water weapons; handle, launch, and recover surface and subsurface targets at remote sites on San Clemente Island. Applicant will manufacture, repair, and install fiber optic, coaxial, and electrical cables and connectors and operate video and network systems, PC's and terminals. To learn more and apply, view the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 112706_Job) official job posting.

Get the Credit You Deserve
Thanks to the American Council on Education (ACE) you can take academic credit for most of the military training and experience you have received, including Basic Training (boot camp). In fact ACE has evaluated military schools, correspondence courses, and occupations to determine their value in academic credit since 1942. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 112706_ACE) Learn how to apply ACE credits.

Remember: Some schools may choose not to recognize the ACE recommendations for ME credits, and may choose not to grant any credit for your military experience. That is why it is critical to shop around for the fully accredited school that will give you the credit you deserve.

Military.com can help you get in contact with several schools by (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 706_GIBill) filling out one simple online form. Most importantly, get started as soon as you can; the longer you delay, the further away your goals will be.

Check out Cool Gear on Kit Up!
Military.com just launched Kit Up! Members list all the stuff you weren't issued but couldn't have done without during your military life. Kit Up! can be a device, software, book, DVD, or a resource like a website, chat room, or blog. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 2706_KitUp) Take a look now.

Send Packages to Troops, Families
Just in time for the holidays, Operation Homefront has launched "eCarePackage," an online service that allows citizens to send care packages to deployed troops and their families. Servicemembers and families can register on (http://www.ecarepackage.org/) www.ecarepackage.org and visitors can "adopt" them based on common interests. Then visitors select individual items to create a customized care package for their chosen servicemember or family and include a personal message. Operation Homefront's team of volunteers takes the order, boxes the selected items and ships them directly to the servicemember or family -- always protecting their identity and physical location. For more information, visit (http://www.ecarepackage.org/) www.ecarepackage.org.

Volunteer Drivers Needed
Additional volunteer drivers are needed to sustain the Disabled American Veterans program of providing free rides to veterans. Volunteers interested in becoming drivers must pass a physical examination and health screening administered at a VA Medical Center. Volunteers must show proof of a safe driving record, a valid driver's license, and current motor vehicle bodily-injury liability and property damage, and be willing to attend training. Those interested should contact the Voluntary Service Chief at their nearest VA Medical Center or call DAV Voluntary Services at 202-554-3501.

Marines, Sailors Now Accepting Donations for Toys For Tots
Marines and Sailors around the world are working together during the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) "Toys for Tots" 2006 campaign, underway from now until Dec. 18 in all 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. For more information, including finding your local Toys for Tots campaign office, visit the (http://www.toysfortots.org/) Toys for Tots Foundation website.

Care Packages Top One Million
The USO will soon be distributing its one millionth Operation USO Care Package. Initiated in 2001 by the USO of Metropolitan Washington, the Operation USO Care Package program distributes care packages to servicemembers deploying to Afghanistan, Iraq and other overseas locations, as well as troops arriving and departing on rest and recuperation (R&R) flights. Care packages can contain prepaid international calling cards, refreshments, disposable cameras, toiletries, compact discs and other items requested by service men and women. To support the Operation USO Care Package program, visit (http://www.usocares.org/) www.usocares.org or call 1-877-USO-GIVE and specify the donation is for Operation USO Care Package.

Volunteers, Donations Sought for Children's Christmas Tour
As the holidays draw near, the Hampton Roads (Va.) Chief Petty Officer Association (HRCPOA) is calling out to the khaki community throughout the mid-Atlantic region to help them bring Christmas cheer to children from the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls (VHBG). Every Christmas for the last 11 years, the HRCPOA has brought children from the VHBG in Richmond to Naval Station Norfolk to enjoy a ship tour and Christmas party. VHBG is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian children's home providing residential care and supportive services to children with special needs. The next HRCPOA holiday event planning meeting will take place at the Anchor Station Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. Anyone interesting in participating is welcome. Donations can be dropped off at the Anchor Station anytime.

Senate Passes Record VA Funding Bill
Veterans across the nation will benefit from a record budget increase for a variety of construction projects for the military and Department of Veterans Affairs. The legislation, (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=8791986) H.R. 5385 - the Military Construction/Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, must still be agreed to the by the House before going to the President to become law. The bill provides nearly $78 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is $8.88 billion above the amount VA received last year.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 81&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Bipartisan Effort Urged to Pass Veterans' Bills
House Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=241&lvl=C&chamber=H) Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) has urged colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together to pass (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9182711) H.R. 6314, which would expand one existing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education, the provision of health care services for veterans exposed to chemical and biological testing under Projects 112 and SHAD, and treatment and rehabilitation programs for homeless veterans and those with serious mental illnesses. It would also extend VA's Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans until December 31, 2007 and extend VA's homeless grant and per diem program until September 30, 2007.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 21&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Operation Interdependence Offers C-Rats
The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System is pleased to announce a new partnership with Operation Interdependence (OI?) a national non-profit organization that provides each deployed service man or woman with Civilian Rations? (C-rats?) once a month during their entire regular scheduled deployment. C-rats are quart-sized plastic baggies that contain items such as snacks, personal care products and most importantly a letter of well wishes from a thoughtful person back home. This partnership with VA will create a distribution center on the campus of the VA Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center. Making it OI's 15th location nationally, and their third Distribution Center in California. Visit the (http://www.oidelivers.org/) Operation Interdependence? website to learn more about OI and how you can help.

Give Exchange Certificates to Deployed Troops
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) operates 53 PX/BX facilities throughout Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Even the most basic operation provides access to toiletries, phone cards and cold drinks. Any American can provide these and many more items to deployed troops by ordering a lightweight "Gift from the Homefront" gift certificate for less than it costs to send a 1-pound package. With the PX/BX certificates, troops can pick up toothpaste, socks or even Burger King Whoppers when they want them. "Gifts from the Homefront" are not only redeemable at exchanges throughout Iraq and Afghanistan, but can also be used at any of the 187 name brand fast food outlets AAFES operates in the contingency theater. To order PX/BX certificates, visit (http://www.aafes.org/) www.aafes.org or call (877) 770-4438.

New National Cemetery at Fort Jackson
Fort Jackson has been selected as the site for a new national cemetery. Construction is slated to begin in fiscal 2008, with interments beginning about a year after that. The planned location of the cemetery is the northern point of Fort Jackson, near Percival Road.

Deal of the Week: Motorola RAZR V3 Sale
For just $79.99 get the unique, ultra thin RAZR V3 in black, blue, silver or pink. Features quad band, long-range Bluetooth capabilities & VGA camera. PLUS! Take an additional $25 off your order. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 12706_Deal) Shop Cingular 24/7.

Santa Trek to be Tracked Worldwide
In advance of the holiday season and its 51st season of tracking Santa Claus on his annual journey around the world, the North American Aerospace Defense Command activated its "NORAD Tracks Santa" Website for 2006. The Website, (http://www.noradsanta.org/) www.noradsanta.org, features the history of the program, information on how NORAD tracks Santa and interactive games. The Website will feature a minute-by-minute update on Santa's travels around the world on Dec. 24, beginning at 2 a.m. Mountain time. All of this information is available English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. For more information, read the article at (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,1 ... 92,00.html) Military.com.

Winter Sports Clinic Registration Deadline
The deadline for registering for the 2007 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is November 30, 2006. The clinic, jointly sponsored by VA and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), will be held in Snowmass, Colorado, April 1- 6, 2007. The clinic is open to all U.S. military veterans with spinal cord injuries or disease, visual impairments, certain neurological conditions, orthopedic amputations or other disabilities. Participants will learn adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing and be introduced to a variety of other adaptive activities and sports, such as rock climbing, scuba diving, snowmobiling and sled hockey. To register, contact Teresa Parks at (970) 263-5040. For more information, visit the event's website at (http://www.va.gov/vetevent/wsc/2007/default.cfm) http://www.va.gov/vetevent/wsc/2007/default.cfm.

Veterans Report - Week of December 11, 2006

Check out Cool Gear on Kit Up!
Military.com just launched Kit Up! Members list all the stuff you weren't issued but couldn't have done without during your military life. Kit Up! can be a device, software, book, DVD, or a resource like a website, chat room, or blog. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 1106_KitUp) Take a look now.

VA Continues Services at Waco
After a comprehensive review of the Waco Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Jim Nicholson, has announced that the veterans hospital will remain open. Nicholson noted that the facility?s inpatient and outpatient services are important to residential care homes in the Waco area that care for veterans who do not need to be in an institution, but require outpatient services and periodically inpatient care. The secretary said VA will work through its ongoing planning process with the community and other partners to find ways now to use under-utilized portions of the Waco campus.

Deal of the Week: Holiday Sale!
FREE LG CU400 camera video phone! Runs on ultra fast 3G network, Bluetooth? enabled & Push to-Talk capable. PLUS get $25 towards accessories. Shop Now.

Marines Continue 'Toys for Tots' Program
The "Toys for Tots" program began in the fall of 1947 when a group of Marine Reservists based in Los Angeles collected and delivered 5,000 toys to local needy children. Today, more than 550 Marine Corps' Toys for Tots distribution centers are located across the country. Toys for Tots enables families of limited means to provide something for their children on Christmas. Collected toys are distributed through local social welfare agencies and other organizations. Besides toys for young children, the program also seeks gift donations suitable for teenagers, such as hand-held video games, purses, watches and other items. For more information, visit the Toys for Tots Website at (http://www.toysfortots.org/) http://www.toysfortots.org/.

Study Analyzes VA Mental Health Spending
A study released recently by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) says the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to spend the money it budgeted to treat the mental health needs of veterans, including those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The VA budgeted $300 million in fiscal 2005-06 for new mental health initiatives but spent only $200 million. The study also found that the VA had little or no way of tracking spending for new mental health initiatives during those two years and that some of the money it spent might not have gone toward mental health programs. For more information, read the study at (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d0766.pdf) http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d0766.pdf.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/official ... ubmit.y=16) Let your officials know how you feel!

VA Replacing Old Identification Cards
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that VA health care facilities are beginning an aggressive campaign to assure that enrolled veterans with old versions of its ID cards are issued the new Veterans Identification Card (VIC). VA decided to initiate the mass replacement to reduce veteran vulnerability to identity theft. The new VIC removed the sensitive information such as birthdates and social security numbers from the face of the card. VHA estimates that between 3 and 4 million enrolled veterans have not yet been issued a new VIC. VA hopes to complete the massive replacement program within the next 12 months.

To learn more about VA Health Care, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

2007 Disability Compensation Rates
If you are military veteran with a service-related disability you may qualify for over $2,471 in monthly benefits. These benefits are paid to veterans who have injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. It is also paid to certain veterans disabled from VA health care. These benefits are tax-free. In addition you may qualify for the Special Monthly Compensation for Severely Injured Veterans. Visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... mpensation) VA Disability Compensation webpage at Military.com to learn more.

Law Clinic to Help Veterans
Military veterans who have problems with government benefits will be soon able to obtain free legal advice from a clinic at North Carolina Central University. The clinic is scheduled to open in January, 2007. Several law students from North Carolina Central University and the law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have signed up to work in the clinic.

To learn more about Military Legal Matters, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters) Military.com Benefits Channel.

Senators Respond on Delay of Bill
In a joint letter, leaders of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Senators (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S) Larry Craig and (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel Akaka expressed their disappointment that a package of legislation, which includes a wide array of veterans' benefits and health care provisions, has been held up because House Committee leaders insisted on the inclusion of a controversial provision - authorization for a new facility in South Carolina - exactly as passed by the House. The Senators are concerned that committing to the South Carolina project without any discussion or compromise could set a precedent of the federal government spending its limited construction funds for projects other than those directly serving veterans.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 81&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
How knowledgeable are you about identity theft? Take the On-Guard, Online quiz on the Federal Trade Commission's " (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/) Deter, Detect and Defend" website. You will also find out how to protect yourself this holiday season, how to tell if your identity has been stolen, and what to do after it happens.

Expeditionary Sailors Have New Website
The Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) recently launched a new design of the expeditionary forces' website at (http://www.necc.navy.mil/) www.necc.navy.mil. The newly improved website aims to better inform Sailors and their families, and the general public about NECC's mission and capabilities in order to build understanding and support of the Navy's 40,000 expeditionary Sailors. The establishment of NECC in January brought the manning, training and equipping of Explosive Ordnance Disposal; Naval Coastal Warfare; Riverine; Combat Camera Atlantic; the Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center; Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support functions; the Maritime Civil Affairs Group and the Seabees under one umbrella.

Personal Products Needed for Walter Reed
Stars and Stripes reports that donations are needed for wounded troops who are patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The hospital's (http://wramc.army.mil/Soldiers/MedFac1/index2.htm) Family Assistance Center is seeking shoes, gloves and winter jackets, postage stamps, prepaid phone cards, weightlifting gloves (for wheelchair patients), trousers with snaps or zips along the legs, razors, and prepaid gas or grocery cards. The Center requests that no cash or used items be donated. Donations can be sent to: Walter Reed Army Medical Center; Medical Family Assistance Center; Bldg. 2, 3rd Floor, Room 3E01; 6900 Georgia Ave, N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20307-5001.

Looking for ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom? Go to the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Content/MoreCon ... ort_troops) Support our Troops webpage to learn more.

National World War I Museum
The National World War I Museum officially opened recently in Kansas City, Mo. The new $26 million museum features a glass floor raised several feet above a field of 9,000 red poppies, representing the 9 million combat deaths of the war. The museum was funded by $20 million in city bonds with the remainder coming from federal and private sources. For more information, including educational materials about the War, visit the (http://www.libertymemorialmuseum.org/) National World War I Museum Website.

To locate a military-themed museum, monument or memorial, visit the (http://www.military.com/Resources/Resou ... _guide.htm) Military.com Museum and Memorial Guide.

Illinois Veterans History Project
Illinois citizens are encouraged to add their family members' names, both living and deceased, to the Illinois Veterans History Project, which is available at local public libraries and driver service facilities throughout Illinois. The project will create a permanent record of the names of American war veterans and civilians who served in wars dating back to World War I, which will be placed in a permanent repository by the Illinois State Archives. Veterans and their family members may complete an Illinois Patriot Information form at the facilities.

Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project
The Hospitalized Veterans' Writing Project (HVWP) recently launched a website to promote an appreciation of the arts and writing as therapy. The mission of HVWP is to encourage veterans to write, which serves as therapy for many veterans who participate through the VA medical centers across the country. Veterans are encouraged to submit their manuscripts (prose, poetry and artwork) for national publication in Veterans' Voices, the only publication dedicated solely to veterans' writings. Veteran's Voices is published with contributions to the Hospitalized Veterans? Writing Project. For more information, visit the (http://www.veteransvoices.org/) Veterans' Voices website.

TRICARE Benefits for National Guard, Reserve Retirees
If you are a retired National Guard or Reserve member, you and your family members may be eligible for TRICARE medical and dental benefits. For the purpose of these benefits, you may fall into one of the following categories: (1) Retired Reserve not eligible for retired pay until age 60, often called, "Gray area retiree;" (2) Retiree between age 60 and 65 receiving retirement pay; or (3) Retiree age 65+ receiving retirement pay and social security benefits. For more information, visit TRICARE's Benefits for National Guard and Reserve Retirees and Their Families (http://www.tricare.osd.mil/Factsheets/v ... cfm?id=350) Fact Sheet.

To learn more about TRICARE, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) www.military.com/benefits/tricare.

Featured Job: Ground Radar Systems Tech
ManTech International Corporation, a leading provider of innovative technologies and solutions for mission-critical national security programs is seeking (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 121106_Job) Ground Radar Systems Technicians.

How the Montgomery GI Bill Works for You
If you are qualified for the Montgomery GI Bill and you have completed at least two years active duty, your total benefits could be worth over $37,000. Your actual benefits may be higher if you signed up for the Army or Navy College Funds. You can apply your GI Bill benefit toward on-the-job training, a college or technical degree and even receive accelerated payments for high-tech, high cost courses. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 21106_MGIB) Get free information from military friendly schools today.

Veterans Report - Week of December 04, 2006

Thank You Notes for Servicemembers and Veterans
A Million Thanks is a service project of Lutheran High School of Orange, Ca. It is a year-round campaign to show our U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present our appreciation. The organization has collected 2.6 million thank you notes, one for every man and woman in the military. For information on how to send cards and letters to our troops, visit the (http://www.amillionthanks.org/) A Million Thanks website.

Looking for ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans? Visit the (http://www.military.com/Content/MoreCon ... ort_troops) Support the Troops webpage at Military.com for information and resources.

Insurance Companies to Pay Refunds
Four life insurance companies are being held accountable for their improper sales practices to military members. American-Amicable Life Insurance Company of Texas, Pioneer American Insurance Company, Pioneer Security Life Insurance Company and the Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company together will refund a total of more than $70 million to more than 93,000 consumers, including about 71,000 servicemembers. The companies are notifying servicemembers with current or lapsed policies affected by the agreements. Consumers who feel they are affected but have not received notification can call the companies' consumer service center at 800-736-7311.

To learn about life insurance for servicemembers, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/surviv ... -insurance) Life Insurance webpage.

VA Improves Waiting Times
Newly released data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicates the agency has dramatically improved its performance in seeing new veterans. In the first part of 2006, nearly 18,000 veterans had to wait thirty days or longer to see a VA doctor for the first time. By October, that number had dropped to less than 4,000. Some of the biggest improvements have come in "VISN 20," an area of the country which includes most Idaho, as well as Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and one county each in Montana and California. There are over 7 million veterans enrolled in VA health care, and VA officials report that 96 percent are able to see a primary care doctor within 30 days.

To learn more about veteran's health care, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

Volunteer Drivers Needed
More than 9,000 volunteers drive veterans to their VA medical center and clinic appointments as part of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN). Additional volunteer drivers are needed to sustain the program of providing free rides to veterans. Once determined physically fit to safely transport passengers, volunteers must show proof of a safe driving record, a valid driver's license, and current motor vehicle bodily-injury liability and property damage, and be willing to attend training. Those interested should contact the Voluntary Service Chief at their nearest VA Medical Center or call DAV Voluntary Services at 202-554-3501.

Expo for Veteran-Owned Businesses
The Small Business Administration is sponsoring a Contracting Opportunities Expo for Veteran-Owned Businesses on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Louisville--Downtown, 120 West Broadway, Louisville, KY. The keynote speaker will be William Elmore, U.S. Small Business Administration Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development from Washington, D.C. There will be a panel discussion and networking opportunities.

For more information about veteran-owned businesses, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... n-business) Veterans in Business webpage at Military.com.

Deal of the Week: Motorola RAZR V3 Sale
For just $79.99 get the unique, ultra thin RAZR V3 in black, blue, silver or pink. Features quad band, long-range Bluetooth capabilities & VGA camera. PLUS! Take an additional $25 off your order. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 20406_Deal) Shop Cingular 24/7.

Scholarships for Veterans
While looking for money for school many servicemembers, veterans, and their families tend to overlook the over $300 million of military - and veteran - related scholarships and grants. Learn to use scholarships to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... holarships) Click here to get quick tips to help your search.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... hip_Finder) Military.com Scholarship Finder.

VA, DOD Begin Joint Venture
A new state-of-the-art medical facility on the north side of San Antonio, the North Central Federal Clinic, is the first Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense venture using joint leadership and staffing. The clinic will provide pharmacy, radiology, laboratory and optometry services. "We have several other facilities throughout the United States that are working toward the same goal we have achieved here," said Mark Goldstein with the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. Hospital officials, along with congressional and federal leaders, will be following the success of the clinic closely for consideration for other joint facilities to begin using joint leadership and staffing.

Get a Copy of 'The War Tapes'
Military.com has partnered up with The War Tapes to provide our members with the opportunity to purchase the DVD before it is released. All the profits will be donated to the Armed Forces Relief Trust. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _War_Tapes) Click here to view the website and buy the DVD.

Featured Job: Jobs Nationwide!
Schwan's Home Service, Inc. is looking for goal oriented individuals seeking competitive pay and opportunities for advancement. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 120406_Job) Click here for more!

Veterans Report - Week of December 18, 2006

Operation Hero Miles
Airline travelers can help troops stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan to fly home on leave for free by donating their unused frequent flyer miles to Operation Hero Miles. The program also gives family members of wounded servicemen and women free plane tickets to visit their loved ones recovering at military hospitals across the country. For more information, visit the (http://www.heromiles.org/) Operation Hero Miles website.

Looking for ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom? Go to the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Content/MoreCon ... ort_troops) Support our Troops webpage to learn more.

Featured Job: Veteran Job Board
Visit the largest Veteran job board in the word to search for jobs, create resumes or network with the military community. Hundreds of American employers are looking for military experience. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 121806_Job) Start now.

Performance Report Available
VA's fiscal year 2006 (http://www.va.gov/budget/report/) Annual Performance and Accountability Report is now available. The report discusses the department's progress in providing America's veterans the best in benefits and health care.

Fisher Houses Coming to Boston, Seattle
VA has approved a new Fisher House in Boston, which will provide safe, comfortable housing for families of veterans being treated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Boston. The new Fisher House will be built on the grounds of VA medical center in Boston. A new Fisher House will also be built on the grounds of the VA medical center in Seattle. Construction of both houses is scheduled to begin in 2007 along with a previously announced new Fisher House at the VA medical center in Richmond, Va. Fisher Houses are built through public donations and contributions from the Fisher House Foundation. VA assumes responsibility for operating costs of the finished homes.

Earn Your Degree No Matter Where the Military Sends You
Education benefits are a major reason most people join the military. But once in the military, you may find it difficult, if not impossible, to go to school and serve because of relocation, TDY or in-residence requirements. So what's a soldier, sailor or airman to do? More and more servicemembers and their families are turning to online degree and certificate programs offered through (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... tyAlliance) UniversityAlliance.com.

Some Veterans to Receive Dividends
More than a million veterans are in line to share $369 million in annual insurance dividends during 2007, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The dividend payments will be sent to an estimated 1.2 million holders of VA insurance policies on the anniversary date of their policies. Sent automatically through different payment plans, the amounts will vary based on the age of the veteran, the type of insurance, and the length of time the policy has been in force. Veterans who have questions about their policies may contact the VA insurance toll-free number at 1-800-669-8477, send an e-mail to (mailto:VAinsurance@va.gov) VAinsurance@va.gov, or visit (http://www.insurance.va.gov/) www.insurance.va.gov.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Reaches Milestone
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. has reached its 100,000th offering at the Wall. Every day since the memorial opened in 1982, National Park Service rangers have gathered up the poems, dog tags, and other items that visitors have left as remembrances at the monument. The mostly anonymous items have been a way for people visiting the Memorial to commemorate and communicate with friends and relatives who died in the Vietnam War. For more information on the (http://www.nps.gov/vive/) Vietnam Veterans Memorial, visit its website.

Tax Statements Schedule Announced
Servicemembers, military retirees and annuitants, and federal civilian employees paid by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service can expect to receive their 2006 tax statements in December, 2006 or January, 2007. DFAS customers with access to the secure, Web-based myPay system will be able to retrieve their tax statements electronically up to two weeks sooner than those relying on regular mail delivery. A personal identification number, or PIN, is required to use the myPay system, and eligible users can apply for one at the (https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx) myPay Website. Customers who already had obtained a PIN but have forgotten it can apply for a new one at the myPay site.

To learn more about taxes, visit the (http://www.military.com/Finance/Taxes/0 ... 82,00.html) Military.com Tax Center.

Thunderbirds Release 2007 Show Schedule
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds," has announced its 2007 air show schedule. The team is scheduled to perform more than 68 shows in 21 states and nine European countries will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Air Force throughout their 2007 season. A Thunderbirds' aerial demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines, and the entire show runs about one hour. For more information including the 2007 show schedule, visit the (http://www.thunderbirds.acc.af.mil/07schedule.htm) USAF Thunderbirds website.

3 Tips for Getting a Degree Faster and Cheaper
Getting a 4-year degree, as the name suggests, usually requires you go to school for 4 years. In addition, this education will cost more that $50,000. That is a lot of time and money, neither of which servicemembers have just lying around.

* Tip #1: Test Out
You can challenge a course by examination - if you pass the test, you get the credit for the course. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... g_A_Degree) More.

* Tip #2: Go Online
Online courses offer the advantage of allowing you to take a course from anywhere; all you need is access to the Internet. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... g_A_Degree) More.

* Tip #3: Get Someone Else to Pay For It
In addition to your GI Benefit, you can also get scholarships (free money). Military.com has over $300 million worth of scholarships in our (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... holarships) database geared specifically for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Take a look and find the right scholarships for you.

The Military.com " (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ool_Finder) School Finder" is a quick and easy way to get free information about online courses from "Military Friendly" schools that have the programs you need to get your degree.

Santa Tracker Seeks Volunteers
Last year, 550 volunteers at "NORAD Tracks Santa" answered more than 55,000 telephone calls and 7,000 e-mails from children around the world inquiring about Santa's whereabouts on Christmas Eve. The project is again seeking volunteers. To become a NORAD Santa Tracker volunteer this year, send an e-mail to (mailto:nnc.pa.nts.omb@northcom.mil) nnc.pa.nts.omb@northcom.mil and registration forms will be forwarded to you. No experience is required and anyone who has access to Peterson Air Force Base and is age 14 or older can volunteer. Shifts are two hours long. Meanwhile, if you or a child you love wants to track Santa's trip this Christmas Eve, visit the (http://www.noradsanta.org/) NORAD Santa website or call the toll free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD.

Operation Interdependence L.A. Kicks Off
The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System is pleased to announce a new partnership with Operation Interdependence (OI) a national non-profit organization that provides each deployed service man or woman with Civilian Rations (C-rats) once a month during their entire regular scheduled deployment. C-rats are quart-sized plastic baggies that contain items such as snacks, personal care products and most importantly a letter of well wishes from a thoughtful person back home. This partnership with VA will created a distribution center on the campus of the VA Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center. The partnership was kicked off on December 15 by officially handing over to U.S. Postal Service officials 100 boxes each containing 50 individual C-rats, to be shipped to 5,000 troops on the frontlines. Visit the (http://www.oidelivers.org/) Operation Interdependence website to learn more about OI and how you can help.

Blue Angels Announce 2007 Show Schedule
The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, has announced their schedule for the 2007 show season. Following winter training, the team will begin its 61st season at Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., March 10, 2007, and will conclude Nov. 10 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform 66 demonstrations at 35 air show sites throughout the United States, as they celebrate 20 years of flying the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet. For the most updated schedule information, the (http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/) Blue Angels Website.

Deal of the Week: Gifts Under $50
Cingular appreciates your service. Get special holiday discounts on camera phones: FREE Sony Ericsson z525A; Sony Ericsson w300i - $9.99; LG CU500 - $49.99 PLUS $25 for accessories. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 21806_Deal) Get one now.

Veterans Report - Week of December 25, 2006

Make a Difference: Become a Teacher
The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) would like to wish you a Happy New Year! ABCTE offers an exciting program that is perfect for members of the military who are thinking about changing careers. The Passport to Teaching program, offered by ABCTE, is an affordable and flexible option for earning teacher certification in several states and is designed specifically for career changers. To help meet the need for new teachers, the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) is offering a $100 program savings on Passport to Teaching. For more information, visit (http://www.americanboard.org/) www.americanboard.org or call 1-877-669-2228 today. To enroll, visit (https://mypass.abcte.org/) mypass.abcte.org and enter the code Newyears100 on your enrollment form before January 31st to save $100.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Military.com Scholarship Finder.

Clinic to Open in Rural Colorado
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to open a new outreach clinic in the Yuma/Burlington/Goodland area of Colorado and Kansas. The new clinic will provide basic primary care and mental health services, including medical evaluations and the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that do not require hospitalization or specialty care. The clinic will be open five half-days a week, with a registered nurse onsite during operating hours. Telemedicine (the use of telecommunications technology to provide health care from distant locations) will link the clinic with additional services at other VA clinics and hospitals. VA expects that the clinic will open within the next few months.

To learn more about veteran health care, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

Coming Home Project
The Coming Home Project invites Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families, living in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, to a series of free workshops to help them cope with the stresses they experience pre-deployment, during deployment and after their service. Time in field and the transitions into active duty and back to civilian life can be life changing and hard to make sense of. The workshops ease feelings of isolation, loss and anger by helping veterans and family members learn new coping skills, talk about their experiences, and develop a sense of community. If you or someone you know can use help, please contact (mailto:info@deepstreams.org) info@deepstreams.org , call 415-387-0800, or visit (http://www.deepstreams.org/cominghome) www.deepstreams.org/cominghome for assistance. All inquiries are confidential.

High School Art Competition Seeks Entries
The 2007 SemperComm Art Competition, sponsored by the SemperComm Foundation, is now accepting artwork created by high school students. The contest asks entrants to develop works around the theme of "For Them." The contest, open to any United States high school student, consists of three categories of artwork: photography, illustration and mixed media. All pieces must be received by March 7, 2007. Winners will be determined and notified within 45 days of the close of the contest. All entries must be matted and cannot be larger than 24 inches square. Additional rules and entrance forms are available on the (https://www.sempercomm.org/) SemperComm website.

Group Raising Money for Navy D-Day Memorial
Stars and Stripes reports that of the more than 60 monuments or memorials honoring Americans and allied forces killed in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, not a single one represents the U.S. Navy. The Naval Order of the United States has begun its fundraising effort to collect $500,000 needed to build, transport and erect what will be a 12-foot bronze monument honoring the U.S. Navy. The organization is expected to dedicate the monument on June 6, 2008, the 64th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. The foundation is accepting tax-free donations via the mail at: Naval Order Foundation, P.O. Box 583, Glenview, IL 60025-0583, or by visiting its Website at: (http://www.navalorder.org/) www.navalorder.org.

Gulf War Research Funding Applauded
The National Commander of the American Legion, Paul A. Morin, has applauded Congress for providing funding to the Southwestern Medical Center's Gulf War Illness research program. The Center, headed by Dr. Robert Haley at the University of Texas Southwestern, was awarded $15 million, renewable for up to four years, to further the scientific knowledge on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses research. "This research will not only impact veterans of the 1991 Gulf War, but may prove beneficial for those currently serving in the Southwest Asia theater and the Middle East during this Global War on Terror," said Commander Morin. For more information on Gulf War Illnesses, visit the VA's (http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/) Gulf War Illnesses webpage.

For more information, or to join The American Legion go to (http://www.legion.org/join) http://www.legion.org/join.

National Guard Museum Opens New Exhibit
A new interactive exhibit that showcases the National Guard's participation in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom is on display at the National Guard Museum. The exhibit displays Guard members' equipment, uniforms and photographs from the ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The granite and glass National Guard Association of the United States Memorial Building that houses the Museum is located on the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Capitol Street in Washington, D.C. Visiting hours are Mondays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, call (888)-226-4287, or visit the (http://www.ngef.org/tier.asp?sid=2) Museum's webpage.

To locate a military-themed museum, monument or memorial, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Resources/Resou ... _guide.htm) Museum and Memorial Guide.

New Passport Requirements Jan. 2007
Beginning in January 2007, all air travelers, including U.S citizens, will need a valid passport to enter the U.S. You can obtain a passport at more than 9,000 locations in the United States. For more information visit the (http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html) U.S. Department of State's website.

Find military-only travel deals, Space-Available travel info, discount travel offers, and more at Military.com's (http://www.military.com/Travel/Home/0,13396,,00.html) Travel Center.

Happy Birthday, National Guard!
The National Guard turned 370 years old on Dec. 13, and the National Guard Bureau is celebrating with a Website dedicated to the organization and its history. (http://www.ngb.army.mil/features/birthday/index.html) The website chronicles the Guard's history, starting in 1636 when the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony ordered existing militia companies from the towns surrounding Boston to form into three regiments. The need for a colonial militia was ratified in the Constitution, and since then, Congress has enacted several militia and defense acts to strengthen the National Guard. The Website also gives details on some state-sponsored events commemorating the 370th birthday.

Featured Job: Technical Program Manager
Jacobs Technology, a worldwide leader in providing advanced engineering and technical services for government and industry, has an opportunity available for a Technical Program Manager. Bachelor's Degree in engineering/technical field preferred, plus three (3) years of work experience and three (3) years experience managing groups of 20 or more employees in efforts associated with testing of weapons or other military equipment. To learn more and apply, view the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 122506_Job) official job posting.

Military Honors for Veterans' Funerals
The National Guard's Honor Guard Program is available in many states to any person who served in either peace-time or war-time on active duty. It is also eligible to anyone who served in the National Guard or Reserve, completed at least one enlistment and received an Honorable discharge. There is no cost to the family members of the veteran. The family need only to notify their funeral director they desire to have military funeral honors rendered at the interment. To make the arrangements, the funeral director will need the veteran's DD214, Form NGB22, or a Certificate of Honorable Discharge, which can be requested from (http://www.archives.gov/research/order/ ... rm-180.pdf) Military Records at the National Archives. There are three different types of the Funeral Honors Programs as described on the Website of the (http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/ceremo ... erals.html) Arlington National Cemetery.

To learn more about memorial benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Burial and Memorial Benefits webpage at Military.com.

Buyer Praises VA Information Technology Centralization
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=241&lvl=C&chamber=H) Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) has hailed the decision by Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson to fully centralize management of information technology (IT) systems and security at VA. Under the plan, more than 5,000 IT personnel are being reassigned to the CIO from VA's health, benefits, and memorial affairs administrations. Operations and maintenance personnel were permanently reassigned in October; development personnel will be permanently reassigned by April 2007. The centralization decision also supports a presidential executive order to federal agencies requiring them to improve the quality and efficient delivery of health care by, in part, better use of IT resources.

Boaters Stop Using Frequency
The Coast Guard reminds all boaters that beginning January 1, 2007, both 121.5 and 243 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are prohibited from use in both commercial and recreational watercraft. Boaters wishing to have an emergency rescue beacon aboard their vessel must have a digital 406 MHz model. This regulation does not affect 121.5/243 MHz man overboard devices. In the U.S., users are required by law to directly register their beacon in the (http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/) U.S. 406 MHz Beacon Registration Database or by calling 1-888-212-SAVE. Other users can register their beacon at (https://www.406registration.com/) https://www.406registration.com/.

Home for Children Breaks Ground
The VFW National Home for Children broke ground recently for a new duplex to be built to help care for families of veterans and active duty military. Scheduled for completion in spring 2007, the two-family home will house residents of the National Home's various family programs that serve single parent families, families of deployed servicemembers and the families of disabled veterans participating in VA Vocational Rehabilitation. Since 1925, the VFW National Home for Children has been providing for the children and families of our nation?s veterans. For more information on the National Home, call (517) 663-1521, toll-free at (800) 424-8360 or visit (http://www.vfwnationalhome.org/) The National Home website.

Deal of the Week: Military Discounts on iPods & Other Products
Apple salutes the US Military. Now government and military personnel can receive up to (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 22506_Deal) 17% off Apple products for personal use. This includes the world's most popular digital music player, the iPod.

Under-used Benefit for Veterans and Spouses
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reaching out to inform wartime veterans and surviving spouses of deceased wartime veterans about an under-used, special monthly pension benefit called Aid and Attendance. To qualify, claimants must be incapable of self support and in need of regular personal assistance. Additional information and assistance in applying for the Aid and Attendance benefit may be obtained by calling 1-800-827-1000. Applications may be submitted on-line at (http://www.vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp) www.vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp. Information is also available on the Internet at (http://www.va.gov/) www.va.gov or from any local veterans service organization.

Veterans Report - Week of January 01, 2007

Make a Difference: Become a Teacher
The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) would like to wish you a Happy New Year! ABCTE offers an exciting program that is perfect for members of the military who are thinking about changing careers. The Passport to Teaching program, offered by ABCTE, is an affordable and flexible option for earning teacher certification in several states and is designed specifically for career changers. To help meet the need for new teachers, the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) is offering a $100 program savings on Passport to Teaching. For more information, visit (http://www.americanboard.org/) www.americanboard.org or call 1-877-669-2228 today. To enroll, visit (https://mypass.abcte.org/) mypass.abcte.org and enter the code Newyears100 on your enrollment form before January 31st to save $100.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Military.com Scholarship Finder.

Featured Job: Security Officer
Guardsmark is currently seeking men and women who wish to pursue a career in the security field. Positions for security officers are available, with opportunities for career advancement. Security Professional opportunities are available from as far west as Robbinsville, NC to as far east as Greensboro, NC. Become a Security Professional and become a priority with Guardsmark. Applications are accepted Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm in both the Charlotte and Greensboro offices. To learn more and apply, view the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 010107_Job) official job posting.

More Help Proposed for Minnesota Veterans
Minnesota Attorney General-elect Lori Swanson has proposed a $15 million-a-year state tuition assistance bill for veterans and their family members and also urged Minnesota lawmakers to approve consumer protection measures to help active-duty soldiers deal with cell phone companies, utilities and other creditors. Minnesota lawmakers have already approved extra time off work for soldiers' relatives and in-state tuition rates for veterans. Swanson also plans to set up a veterans assistance unit when she takes office in January, 2007. Learn more about tuition assistance and using your benefits to pay for school at (http://education.military.com/getting-y ... for-school) Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Veterans Attack Claims of Toxic Tests
Veterans of the 1991 Gulf War living in Yorkshire, England who are now suffering health problems have attacked research claiming their illnesses could have been caused by everyday toxins in the United Kingdom. Researchers from the University of Bristol have cast doubt on the theory that the symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome were caused by organophosphates, and now believe the illnesses were caused by exposure to more mundane toxins found in the UK. However, former paratrooper Shaun Rusling, now vice-chairman of the National Gulf Veterans' and Families' Association ( (http://www.ngvfa.com/) http://www.ngvfa.com/), said: "I find it quite bizarre, because if that was the case then the general public would be suffering multiple symptoms like many veterans are - we would have an epidemic."

Veterans History Project
The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress is collecting oral history interviews, memoirs, letters, diaries, photographs, and other original materials from veterans of World Wars I and II, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf Wars and the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts (2001-present). Those U.S. citizen civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, etc.) are also encouraged to contribute their personal narratives. The Field Kit (for interviews) and the Memoir Kit are both available online at (http://www.loc.gov/vets/kitmenu.html) http://www.loc.gov/vets/kitmenu.html. For more information, visit the (http://www.loc.gov/vets/) Veterans History Project website.

To find more Veterans' Stories, visit Military.com's (http://www.military.com/History_Content ... tm,00.html) Living History Project.

Returning from War
The Veterans Administration (VA) has published several guides that help servicemembers and their families make the transition when a loved one has returned home from war. They are full of information to help military personnel and their families understand what to expect when returning from a war zone, and help them to better adapt back to home life including coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These guides are available at (http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/topics/war.html) http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/topics/war.html.

VA to Expand Services at Muskogee
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reaffirmed support for inpatient surgery beds at the Muskogee, Oklahoma, VA Medical Center and will proceed with expansion of psychiatric services. The Secretary's announcement ends a more than year-long review of the facility, which considered the cost and quality of services available in the local community and at other VA facilities and rejected the idea of transferring patients to other facilities. The study concluded that the Muskogee VA Medical Center is in good condition and that moving services from Muskogee would result in inefficient use of resources with no improvement in access for veterans.

Learn more about VA Health Care at (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

President Signs Veterans Benefits Bill
President Bush recently signed legislation that will improve benefits and health care for America's veterans and their families along a broad front. The legislation, (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9200831) S. 3421, the Veterans Benefits, Healthcare, and Information Technology Act of 2006, includes $3.2 billion in funding to enhance veterans' benefits and health care, secure sensitive personal information, authorize VA health care facility construction nationwide, $65 million to increase the number of clinicians treating post traumatic stress disorder ( (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) PTSD), expands tele-health initiatives invaluable to rural veterans, increases the number of community-based outpatient clinics able to treat mental illnesses.

Learn more about Veteran's Health Care by visiting (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

Study Casts Doubt on Cause of Depression
Research recently published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health is casting doubt on the belief that organophosphate poisoning causes symptoms of depression among Gulf War veterans. Several studies have found that people who are regularly exposed to organophosphates, such as farmers, are more likely than the general population to have symptoms of depression including difficulty concentrating, irritability, and poor sleep patterns. However, these studies do not prove that organophosphates are responsible for these symptoms.

Deal of the Week: Discounts on Apple iPods
Apple salutes the US Military. Now government and military personnel can receive up to (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 10107_Deal) 17% off Apple products for personal use. This includes the world's most popular digital music player, the iPod.

Air Force Enlisted Village Helps All Service Widows
The Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) is unique in its mission to support the enlisted corps. The AFEV's 80-acre campus near (http://benefits.military.com/misc/insta ... jsp?id=970) Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., features independent and assisted living apartments for widows from all five services. The AFEV is one of the four official charities of the Air Force. Donations from Air Force Airmen subsidize the Air Force widows who might need financial assistance. For more information on the AFEV, call 1-800-651-9858 or visit the website at (http://www.afenlistedwidows.org/) www.afenlistedwidows.org.

To learn about Survivor Benefits, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits) www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits.

VA Care Continues at Poplar Bluff, Mo.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson inpatient services shall remain at the Polar Bluff VA Medical Center in Missouri. The Secretary's decision rejects the option for the closure of Poplar Bluff inpatient services, and referral of inpatient VA care to a community hospital. VA has also added cardiology services at the facility, which will mean fewer patient referrals to other VA facilities. The Secretary's decision concludes a more than year-long review of the facility and follows the recommendation of a local advisory panel.

VFW Supports Veteran's Supreme Court Case
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. filed an Amicus, or Friend of the Court brief this afternoon in the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of veteran Ellis C. Smith, who is seeking to overturn a lower court decision that allowed the Department of Veterans Affairs to rate tinnitus as a single disability, regardless of whether it affects one or both ears. "The VFW intervened in this court case to protect the rights of all veterans who were denied similar claims," said VFW Commander-in-Chief Gary Kurpius. Regardless of how the high court rules, the VA has changed the rating schedule so that all new tinnitus claims will be adjudicated as a single - not dual - disability. To read the Amicus Brief, visit (http://www.vfw.org/resources/pdf/amicusbrief.pdf) http://www.vfw.org/resources/pdf/amicusbrief.pdf.

Army-led Breast Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise
An Army-led breast cancer vaccination study is offering hope to breast cancer survivors. Early study results suggest a 50 percent reduction in disease recurrence for vaccinated women. The vaccine targets HER2/neu, a protein that plays a role in cell growth. In larger amounts, the protein accelerates tumor growth and, as a result, can lead to a poorer prognosis for women with breast cancer. The researchers' goal was to create a vaccine that boosted the body's immune system so it could recognize and battle the protein before it stimulates growth. If the Food and Drug Administration agrees to it, the next step will be Phase 3 testing, which includes a much larger pool of participants.

Veterans Report - Week of January 15, 2007

Make a Difference: Become a Teacher
The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) would like to wish you a Happy New Year! ABCTE offers an exciting program that is perfect for members of the military who are thinking about changing careers. The Passport to Teaching program, offered by ABCTE, is an affordable and flexible option for earning teacher certification in several states and is designed specifically for career changers. To help meet the need for new teachers, the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) is offering a $100 program savings on Passport to Teaching. For more information, visit (http://www.americanboard.org/) www.americanboard.org or call 1-877-669-2228 today. To enroll, visit (https://mypass.abcte.org/) mypass.abcte.org and enter the code Newyears100 on your enrollment form before January 31st to save $100.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Military.com Scholarship Finder.

New Alliance to Serve Troops
The American Legion and the Army Reserve have initiated a partnership that will bring both organizations even closer. Under the memorandum of understanding, The American Legion will (1) encourage advocacy and support of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Ombudsman program and (2) encourage American Legion posts to open their facilities for families of servicemembers to gather for socialization or organized meetings. The Army Reserve will (1) include volunteers from the American Legion as appropriate in Family Program Training events and (2) provide The American Legion an updated list of Regional Readiness Sustainment Commands (RRSCs) and Family Programs staff.

For more information, or to join The American Legion go to (http://www.legion.org/join) http://www.legion.org/join.

Medicare Prescription Act Pros and Cons
Advocates of (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9242986) H.R. 4 claim that negotiation will lower drug prices for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Those who oppose H.R. 4 point out that it could result in either higher drug prices for everyone or a reduction in drug research - or both. Medicare patients consume about 40 percent of the nation's prescription drugs.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 71&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Legislation to Improve Veterans Benefits
Freshman Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=5121 ... &chamber=S) Jim Webb (Va.) has introduced "The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007" ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9244661) S. 22) that provides:

* A new benefits package to cover costs of tuition, room and board, and a monthly stipend of $1,000 for service members who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001.
* Educational benefits for a period of time that is linked to time served in the military.
* Additional payments for tutorial assistance, up to $100 a month, as well as licensure and certification tests
* Veterans up to fifteen years (currently 10 years for active duty only) to use their educational assistance.

This content was provided by The Fleet Reserve Association.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 71&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

VA May Soon Be Overburdened by Wounded
A new Harvard University study warns that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is in danger of collapsing under the burden of caring for the medical and psychological needs of returning U.S. forces from Iraq and Afghanistan if it does not receive a huge infusion of cash. The report says the VA is already overwhelmed by the 200,000 veterans who have returned, and the agency will need between $350 billion and $700 billion more money, more staff, improve its claim process, and focus more on mental-health issues if the agency is to care for those among the 1.4 million war veterans who may need treatment.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 26&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Survivor Benefit Information
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides benefits and services for surviving spouses and dependents of military personnel who died while in active military service and to the survivors of veterans who died after active service. For information, visit the (http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/index.htm) VA Survivor Benefits Webpage.

To learn more about Survivor Benefits, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits) http://www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits.

Veteran Entrepreneurs Essay Contest
We are excited to announce the 1st Annual "Honoring America's Veteran Entrepreneurs" Essay Contest as part of Entrepreneurship Week USA. This Essay Contest will allow students to recognize and honor a parent or grandparent who is both a United States Veteran and an entrepreneur. The First Place Winner will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. with his or her parents or grandparents, an invitation to a special awards dinner, and more. Please share this exciting opportunity with your son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, friends and colleagues. For more information, please visit the following URL: (http://www.veteranscorp.org/EssayContest/Default.html) http://www.veteranscorp.org/EssayContest/Default.html

Illinois Seeks to Hire Vets
The Illinois Department of Transportation recently made an appeal for eligible veterans to join the ranks of its snowplow operators, highway maintenance workers and accident responders. The state is looking for 25 new tow truck drivers who assist stranded motorists and clear accident scenes. Another 50 jobs are available as highway maintainers. The starting salary for each of the positions is about $45,000 with medical benefits and retirement packages. Those who speak Spanish are eligible for an extra $2,000 a year. Interested veterans can download an application from the Illinois Department of Central Management Services website at (http://www.cms.illinois.gov) www.cms.illinois.gov.

To access the (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) largest veteran job board in the world, visit Military.com.

Attention all Sea Service Personnel
The Naval Order of the United States is leading a campaign to erect a monument to commemorate the Navy's role in the June 5, 1944, invasion of France during World War II. Although, all other U.S. armed forces services and those allied are memorialized at Normandy the U.S. Navy is not. The proposed monument will stand near the Utah Beach Landing Museum on the Normandy Coast. The monument will be entirely privately financed without government funding. More information is available on the Naval Order of the U.S. website (http://www.navalorder.org) www.navalorder.org.

Featured Job: RIGHT Company With the RIGHT Opportunity
Looking for an opportunity to apply the skills you developed in the military with a company that will recognize you for your performance? (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 011507_Job) Schneider is the right place for you.

California Tuition Waivers
The dependent child, spouse or unmarried surviving spouses of a service-connected disabled or deceased veteran may be entitled to tuition and fee waiver benefits at any campus of the California State University system, University of California or a California Community College. To obtain eligibility requirements and assistance in applying for these valuable benefits, please contact your local County Veterans Service Office, your school's veterans office, or call California Division of Veterans Affairs at (916) 503-8397. For more information, visit the (http://www.cdva.ca.gov/service/feewaiver.asp) California Department of Veterans Affairs Website.

Visit the Military-Friendly School Finder and (http://schools.military.com/schoolfinde ... schools.do) search our database of 4,000 schools and their military attributes. Find the right school for your education needs.

Cost of Living Adjustment Passes Senate
The United States Senate recently passed a veterans' compensation cost-of-living adjustment. The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006, (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9239441) S. 2562, directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2006, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children, and certain related benefits. The COLA will be the same as the increase provided to Social Security recipients, which is projected to be approximately 2.9 percent. Swift passage of this important legislation is expected in the House of Representatives. To learn more, view the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ion-tables) VA Disability Compensation Rates at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 36&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Help Give Valentines Day Care Packages
An Illinois-based troop support group, SI Yellow Ribbon, has launched its fourth annual "You Have Our Hearts" Valentine's Day campaign to gather items for its Valentine's Day care packages and postage funds to ship them out to soldiers currently serving overseas. Schools, Sunday School classes, youth groups, and other groups are urged to make special homemade heart valentines and send them to "SI Yellow Ribbon" to be included in the boxes. Valentines can be made however you wish, but if they are in envelopes please do NOT seal them. For more information on the project and requirements, visit the (http://www.callie-jaye.com/2ndsioperationhearts) "You Have Our Hearts" webpage on the siyellowribbon.com website. The deadline for SI Yellow Ribbon receiving the valentine's is January 22, 2007.

Looking for ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom? Go to the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Content/MoreCon ... ort_troops) Support our Troops webpage to learn more.

CGC Alder Alumni Sought
On December 7, 2008, Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Baton Rouge, Louisiana would like to host a memorial service commemorating the lives of all 21 crew members of the CGC WHITE ALDER, which was lost on December 7, 1968, and present each family with a Coast Guard Ensign. In order to do this, the remaining four crew members (or their families) and the families of the 17 crew members who lost their lives must be located. If you have any information that would be helpful in this process, please write Commanding Officer, MSU Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, La 70809 or FAX: (225) 298-5408.

Scholarships for Veterans
While looking for money for school many servicemembers, veterans, and their families tend to overlook the over $300 million of military - and veteran - related scholarships and grants. Learn to use scholarships to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... holarships) Click here to get quick tips to help your search.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... hip_Finder) Military.com Scholarship Finder.

Deal of the Week: 10% Off Vitamins and Health Products
(ttp://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//benefits.military.com/misc/DC/DealCoupon.jsp%3Fdeal_id%3D22152&code=VR_011507_Deal) Shop-4-Vitamins offers vitamins, liquid vitamins, male enhancement, body-building supplements and many "As Seen on TV" products. Shop-4-Vitamins will ship both domestic and international.

South Dakota Offers Vet Bonuses
The state of South Dakota is paying a veterans' bonus of up to $500 to certain servicemembers. Bonuses are available for servicemembers who: (1) were legal residents of the state for at least six months immediately preceding entry into the armed forces; (2) are currently on active duty or were honorably discharged from the armed forces; (3) served on active duty during one of several periods. Application forms may be obtained by writing to: SD Veterans Bonus, 500 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501, or by calling (605) 773-7251. Forms can also be requested by e-mail by writing to (mailto:john.fette@state.sd.us) john.fette@state.sd.us. Writers should include their name, street or post office box number, city, state and zip code.

To find complete information on current cash enlistment incentives (signing bonuses) and reenlistment bonuses offered by each of the Armed Forces, visit the (http://www.military.com/recruiting/bonus-center/) Military.com Bonus Center.

Firebrand in Veterans Panel Chair
Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.), the new chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, speaks with enthusiasm for any and all initiatives that might help veterans improve their quality of life. But Filner is seen as such a partisan, and his rhetoric can be so imprecise, that some veterans? advocates wonder what this firebrand will achieve as chairman. For more information, read the article on the (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,121608,00.html) Military.com website.

Minnesota Governor Offers a New GI Bill
Minnesota Governor (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=4836) Tim Pawlenty unveiled last week a nearly 75 million-dollar military aid package that includes a Minnesota G-I bill that would let thousands of veterans and their family members go to public universities in Minnesota for free. The plan would also eliminate state income taxes on military pay and pensions. The plan will be part of Pawlenty's budget proposal later this month.

To learn more about the MGIB, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/gi-bill) http://www.military.com/benefits/gi-bill.

USAA Offers Free NHL and NBA Tickets
In recognition of the sacrifice and dedication of military members, USAA has teamed with the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals to create new seating sections honoring military personnel during the teams' 2006-2007 seasons. USAA will provide 40 free tickets for each home game to military members and their families in recognition of their service. In addition USAA will host a ?Military Appreciation Night? with the Capitals on Dec. 8 and the Wizards on Jan. 20 to further honor military personnel and their families. For more information about this great offer, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,121972,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

Money Scam Alert
Stars and Stripes reports that financial institutions serving the military overseas have seen an increase in counterfeit money orders and checks as well as online phishing. The counterfeit check scheme, called the "overpayment scam," has affected bank customers who sell items at online auction sites, such as eBay. The best way to prevent getting scammed, if using eBay, is to insist on payment by PayPal. Another piece of advice from the National Consumers League's Internet Fraud Watch, is: "If a stranger wants to pay you for something, insist on a cashiers check for the exact amount, preferably from a local bank or a bank that has a branch in your area."

To learn more about personal finances, visit the (http://www.military.com/Finance/) Military.com Finance Center.

Veterans Report - Week of January 22, 2007

Many Veterans Missing Out on Compensation
Many Air Force veterans may be missing out on hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars every month because they have not applied for combat-related special (or CRSC) compensation. Many disabilities that resulted from conditions during peacetime may meet the criteria for CRSC. If you are not sure the circumstances surrounding your disability meet the combat-related criteria, it would be beneficial for you to apply for CRSC and let the board make a determination for you. For more information, visit the (http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/) AFPC Website or call the Air Force CRSC office toll-free at (800) 616-3775 for assistance.

To learn more about CRSC, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... mpensation) Benefits Channel.

Fisher House to Build More Homes
The Fisher House Foundation plans to expand its efforts by building five new homes per year until 2010. The foundation builds homes on and near active military and Veterans Affairs medical facilities. The houses provide free lodging for servicemembers who must stay near a hospital for continuing treatment, as well as families visiting wounded loved ones. Today, there are 36 Fisher House facilities in 16 states and one in Germany. After the houses are built, they are gifted to U.S. government, which then maintains them. The foundation works closely with the military to determine where a new house should be built. For more information, visit the (http://www.fisherhouse.org/) Fisher House Foundation Website.

Fewer Younger Veterans Drawing Unemployment
Stars and Stripes reports that the number of young veterans receiving unemployment payments dropped dramatically last year, hitting its lowest levels since 2001. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, veterans between 20 and 24 years old posted a 10.4 percent unemployment rate in 2006, down from 15.6 percent in 2005. That's the lowest rate among that former military age group in five years. The veteran population has posted a lower unemployment rate than the nonveteran population each of the last 20 years. For more information on employment programs for veterans, visit (http://www.HireVetsFirst.org) www.HireVetsFirst.org.

To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Career Center.

Program Serves Wounded Warriors
The Army's Wounded Warrior Program, dubbed AW2, is designed for soldiers severely wounded in the war on terror. AW2 provides information and assistance to aid soldiers and their families through the recovery process and beyond, from medical evacuation to reintegration into the work force. In addition, AW2 tracks and monitors our Severely Wounded Warriors for a period of time beyond their medical retirement or return to duty in order to provide appropriate assistance though an array of existing service providers. For more information, visit the (https://www.aw2.army.mil/index.htm) Wounded Warrior website.

For more resources and information for the severely wounded, visit (http://www.military.com/support) http://www.military.com/support.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Website Launched
Barbara Romberg, a psychologist with a private practice in Washington, D.C., has created a single website to link licensed counselors with U.S. troops affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from serving Afghanistan and Iraq. So far, 120 providers have signed up on the (http://www.giveanhour.org/cms/index.php) Give an Hour website, agreeing to donate an hour of free care a week. Romberg said she hopes for 500 to 1,000 before launching the program in the spring. Those who join must agree to stay with Give an Hour for a least a year.

To learn more about PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) www.military.com/benefits/resources/ptsd-overview.

Featured Job: Create Your Future as an Investment Rep
More than 1,000 of our current 9,000 Investment Reps are veterans. Learn how your skills and our training can help you succeed. Run your business. Determine your compensation. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 012207_Job) Create your future.

Troops March to a Different Drummer
Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan display far different musical tastes than those at home. While two of the top-selling titles sold through Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) post and base exchanges last year were country, rap along with rhythm and blues accounted for the two most popular formats. Any American can send thousands of music titles to a deployed Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine by sending an AAFES "Gift from the Homefront." Available through (http://www.aafes.org/) www.aafes.org or toll-free at 877-770-4438, the gift certificates can be redeemed for almost any product stocked at thousands of exchange facilities across the globe.

Iowa State Benefits Update

The State of Iowa offers the following new benefits for Veterans:

* The Iowa Veteran's Housing Grant Program, which gives a $5,000 matching grant to any veteran for the purchase of a home, tax free.
* The Injured Veteran Grant Program, which provides grants to any Iowa veteran injured in a combat zone while in the line of duty.

In addition if you join the Iowa National Guard, the state will pay 100% of your college tuition for four years, up to a maximum of about $6,000 a year. This amount can be applied to attend any private or independent college as well. Guardsmen can then use their GI bill to pay for other expenses.

Visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... s-benefits) Benefits Channel to learn more.


Make the Perfect Transition: Become a Teacher
The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) offers an exciting program that is perfect for members of the military who are thinking about changing careers.

The Passport to Teaching program, offered by ABCTE, is an affordable and flexible option for earning teacher certification in several states and is designed specifically for career changers. To help meet the need for new teachers, the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) is offering a $100 program savings on Passport to Teaching.

For more information, visit (http://www.americanboard.org/) www.americanboard.org or call 1-877-669-2228 today. To enroll, visit (https://mypass.abcte.org/) mypass.abcte.org and enter the code Newyears100 on your enrollment form before January 31st to save $100.

Cost-Of-Living Increases for VA Benefits
A recent law signed by President Bush provides a 3.3 percent increase in disability compensation and survivors' benefits. Eligible veterans and family members will see this increase starting in their January 2007 checks. Pension disability benefits will also be increased by the same percentage and effective on the same date. This increase also applies to survivors of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability. Survivors of wartime veterans receiving death pension are also entitled to an increase. For more information about VA benefits and services, visit the (http://www.va.gov/) VA's website or call 1-800-827-1000.

To learn more about COLA, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... -allowance) http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... -allowance.

GI Bill Benefit Expiration Date
Once you have separated from the service you have 10 years to use all of your benefits. Although separating from service "starts the clock" on your 10-year time limit, you should know that if you rejoin active-duty service for more than 90 days, during the 10- year period, your 10-ear clock is reset. In other words, you get 10 years from your last discharge. Visit the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 12207_MGIB) GI Bill FAQ page for more information.

In addition to using your GI Bill, Military.com has more than $300 million worth of scholarships in our (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... holarships) database geared specifically for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Take a look and find the right scholarships for you.

Deal of the Week: 10% Off Custom Veteran T-Shirts & Gifts
10% off individually designed custom veteran t-shirts and gifts. Pride of Service.com offers a comprehensive presentation of your "personal history of military service" on your custom (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 12207_Deal) PRIDE OF SERVICE t-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, golf shirts, caps, visors, mouse pads, license plates and frames, coasters, mugs, aprons, boxers, wallets and neckties.

Company to Donate T-shirts to Servicemembers
Raising Consciousness America Foundation, Inc. (RCAF) will donate 500,000 specially designed T-shirts to active and wounded military personnel worldwide. The organization commissioned 2TWO, an Atlanta based design company to create and produce "the Heart of America" t-shirts. "We recognized that it's a small but hopefully significant gesture, one that will allow "America" to express its sincere appreciation for what has been sacrificed by these soldiers and their families" said, Towanda Scott, VP of Marketing for Raising Consciousness America Foundation, Inc. Shipments are currently underway; additional support, sponsorships and donations are needed to meet the July 4th, 2007 goal. To view the shirts or find out how you can help, please go to (http://www.rconscious.org/) http://www.rconscious.org/, or contact Ms Towanda Scott by email, (mailto:towandascottasap@yahoo.com) towandascottasap@yahoo.com or call 404-409-0245.

New Jersey May Lift Mandate
Some New Jersey veterans are upset about a legislative proposal that would cease requiring New Jersey schools to teach about Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The proposal passed last month as part of a larger measure designed to help control property taxes and awaits signature by the governor. The New Jersey American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars have asked Gov. Jon S. Corzine to veto the bill so schools will still have to teach about Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Call Home Legislation to Assist Military
Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=159&lvl=C&chamber=S) Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) said he was pleased to see Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin J. Martin and the entire Commission act so quickly to begin implementing the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 41&type=CO) Call Home Act of 2006 which passed Congress late last year. This legislation directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in coordination with the Department of Defense and the Department of State, to work to reduce phone rates for Armed Forces personnel deployed overseas. Stevens noted that the FCC's action is the first step in the process, and that it will reduce costs for military personnel calling home. The bill was sponsored last year by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Commerce Committee Chairman (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=201&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,122541,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this act? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 41&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Law Changes Handling Procedures
A new law that took effect Jan. 1 makes the primary mode of transportation for remains of servicemembers being returned to the U.S. is now military aircraft or military-contracted aircraft. This is a change from the past when commercial service was used to transport the remains of fallen troops. The law also directs that an honor guard escorts servicemembers' remains from the processing center at Dover Air Force Base to their final resting place. Another recent change that is giving more recognition to the remains of fallen servicemembers is the use of honor covers on coffins, which is embossed with the Defense Department seal on both ends and an American flag.

To learn more about military law, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters) www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters.

Training Grants for Massachusetts Veterans

The Massachusetts Division of Career Services has received a Veterans Training Grant from the Department of Labor that provides money to Massachusetts veterans who want to upgrade their skills by attending an approved educational facility. For additional information, Massachusetts veterans may call any of the following (1) Workforce Central, Southbridge, (508) 765-6430; (2) Workforce Central, Milford, (508) 478-4300; or (3) Workforce Central, Worcester, (508) 799-8020.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the Military.com (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Scholarship Finder.


VA Health Care Outscores Private Sector
For the seventh straight year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has received significantly higher marks than the private health care industry on a leading independent survey of customer satisfaction. The annual results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) also showed that overall satisfaction of patients for both inpatient and outpatient services increased last year at VA medical facilities. The new ACSI survey results showed that the VA scored 84 percent in customer satisfaction for inpatient services, up one point from the 2005 rating. The rating of 82 percent for outpatient care was two points higher than last year's mark.

To learn more about VA Health Care, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

Veterans Committee Hearings Reinstated
The congressional leadership from both the House of Representatives and Senate has announced the reinstatement of the traditional joint hearings process in which veterans and military service organizations appear before the Veterans' Affairs Committees. The joint hearings have traditionally been held in the spring, after the President submits his budget request to Congress. The hearings are generally tied to the veterans' service organizations national meetings occurring in Washington, D.C. The American Legion traditionally has participated in a joint hearing during the month of September.

Higher TRICARE Fees Sought
Senior Defense officials have renewed their call to raise TRICARE enrollment fees and co-payments for under-65 military retirees and their dependents. This year, Defense officials hope that, at a minimum, their call for higher TRICARE fees will win the endorsement of a new study group, the Task Force on the Future of Military Healthcare. The 14-member panel was created by Congress, but its members were appointed by the same officials pressing for fee increases. Last year's TRICARE fee plan is expected to be endorsed again in the president's 2008 budget request to Congress in early February. It would raise enrollment fees and deductibles for under-65 retirees using a triple-tiered fee schedule tied to rank. After two years of stepped increases, fees would rise annually by the percentage change in premiums for federal civilian health care. To learn more about this issue, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,122368,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

How do you feel about raising TRICARE? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 21&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Grants for Oregon Veterans' Groups
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is inviting nonprofit veterans' organizations to apply for grants that will help to build and restore veterans' memorials and war memorials on public land. The grants can be used to fund up to 80 percent of a project's construction or restoration costs. Organizations eligible for the lottery-supported funding must be based in Oregon or have chapters in the state. For more information, visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's (http://egov.oregon.gov/OPRD/GRANTS/veterans.shtml) Veterans' and War Memorial Grants webpage.

Veterans Report - Week of January 29, 2007

VA Expands Service at Idaho Clinic
Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson recently approved the expansion of health care services and a new facility for veterans in Lewiston, Idaho. In order to improve access to primary care and primary mental health care for those patients, VA will relocate the clinic into a larger space with approximately 3,500 square feet. and extend hours from two days per month to a full five day, 40 hours per week operation. The expanded space will accommodate a primary care team, a primary mental health provider and support staff. Mental health services would include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse group clinics. The parent facility for the Lewiston clinic is the VA medical center in Walla Walla, Wash., about 110 miles from Lewiston.

To learn more about VA Health Care, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

VA's Electronic Patient Records System Improves Care
Computerized patient records, like the system now covering all of VA's 7.6 million enrolled patients, can improve the quality of care, save lives and conserve important health care dollars, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson said recently. Between 17 percent and 49 percent of all laboratory tests in the private sector are needlessly performed because of missing paperwork. One of every five medication doses in typical private-sector hospitals and skilled nursing homes is given in error, the VA Secretary noted, with 7 percent of those errors potentially life-threatening. "With VA's electronic health records and other computerized systems, we have almost eliminated prescription errors and the need to duplicate lab tests," Nicholson added.

To learn more about VA Health Care, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

Handbook Aids Families of Wounded Servicemembers
The Our Hero Handbook is a guide for wounded servicemembers and their families from day one through recovery, transition, and beyond. Topics covered in the handbook range from practical information about how to make travel and lodging arrangements to strategies for coping with the emotional strain of being a caregiver and how to inform children about a parent's injury. There is also a comprehensive list of organizations that can help wounded Soldiers and their families and extensive information on military insurance and medical benefits. The handbook can be downloaded from the (http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/po ... .180.0.0.0) Military Homefront website.

Connecticut Issues Veterans Service Medals
The State of Connecticut has received to-date 12,000 applications for its Connecticut Veterans War Time Service Medal. All Connecticut veterans with qualifying wartime military service are eligible to receive the medal. The veterans' service medals were first made in 1863 and handed out during every war until World War I. In 2005, the Connecticut General Assembly voted to issue the medals again, and distribution began in June, 2006. So far, 6,000 veterans have received their medals. To apply for the Medal or register for the Connecticut Servicemember and Veteran Registry, visit the (http://www.ct.gov/ctva/cwp/view.asp?a=1992&q=313194) Connecticut Veterans War Time Service Medal webpage.

Harvard Gives Federal Hospitals Top Grades
A comprehensive study by Harvard Medical School concludes that federal hospitals, including those run by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), provide the best care available anywhere for some of the most common life-threatening illnesses. The study was published in December in the Archives of Internal Medicine, a journal for health care professionals. Researchers looked at congestive heart failure, heart attack and pneumonia across the health care industry and found that patients in federal facilities are more likely to receive high-quality care than those in for-profit hospitals. The study found that hospitals operated by the federal government and the military received higher performance ratings than other hospitals studied. A large percentage of federal hospitals are operated by VA.

To learn more about VA Health Care, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

Special Military Social Security Rate
When a veteran applies for Social Security benefits, they should take their DD-214 with them. Social Security then computes the extra benefit and it is added to the monthly payments. In many cases, the Social Security office asks for a DD-214 and this benefit is computed automatically. But, not always. If you are a veteran who is collecting Social Security and you're not sure whether you are receiving this benefit, call your local Social Security office and ask them to check your account. If you are not getting the benefit, take your DD-214 to your local Social Security office and apply. They will compute your new benefit and you will receive a larger monthly check plus retroactive benefits computed from the time you started collecting Social Security. Remember, military retirees and government retirees who use military time to compute "time in service" do not qualify for this benefit. For more information, visit (http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm) http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm.

To learn more about this benefit, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... urity-rate) Benefits Channel.

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National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
VA Secretary Jim Nicholson visited the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor on Friday, January 12, in New Windsor, New York. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor was dedicated on November 10, 2006, and serves as a permanent remembrance of those awarded the Purple Heart as a result of combat wounds received in service to our country. It is the only institution in the nation dedicated solely to Purple Heart recipients. For more information, visit the (http://www.thepurpleheart.com/) National Purple Heart Hall of Honor website.

California Legislation Gives Veterans Privileges
A bill currently in the California state legislature would grant lifetime parking privileges to California veterans who were wounded, held as prisoners, awarded medals for heroism or survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. Bill (http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bil ... duced.html) AB 138 would give qualifying veterans free parking privileges beside meters, in public parking facilities and at curbside spaces that allow parking for more than one hour.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) Let your public officials know how you feel!

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Illinois Health Program Seeks Veterans
The State of Illinois' new health coverage program for veterans could help 9,000 uninsured Illinois veterans, but it has enrolled just 33 since it was launched Sept. 1. Veterans Care is available to veterans who do not qualify for federal coverage and meet income guidelines. For more information, visit the (http://www.illinoisveteranscare.com/) State of Illinois Veterans Care website or telephone (877) 483-8779.

For more information on Illinois State Veteran's Benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... s-benefits) Benefits Channel.

Take Advantage of Veterans Upward Bound
Many Veterans avoid going to college because it has been years since they have been to school. Thanks to the Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Program Veterans don't have to let rusty academic skills keep them from getting a degree and pursuing a dream career. Veterans Upward Bound is a free U.S. Department of Education program designed to help you refresh academic skills and give the confidence needed to successfully complete a college degree. (http://education.military.com/money-for ... -resources) Click here to view all programs, services and eligibility.

The first step is to find a school that fits your academic needs. Use the Military.com " (http://schools.military.com/schoolfinde ... schools.do) School Finder" to get free information from "Military Friendly" schools. Its quick and easy.

Military.com has over $300 million worth of scholarships in our (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) database geared specifically for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Take a look and find the right scholarships for you.

More Funding Needed for Iowa Home Ownership Program
Iowa's Military Servicemember Home Ownership Assistance Program is so popular that the lawmakers are being urged to put an additional $1 million into the program. The program provided $2 million since July 2006 to assist with first-time home purchases for current and former military servicemembers who are or have served on active duty since 9/11. The program is projected to run out of money by the end of January, 2007 if it does not receive more funding. For more information on the program, view the (http://www.iowanationalguard.com/Public ... an2006.pdf) Home Ownership Assistance Program PDF.

To learn more about buying a home, visit (http://www.military.com/Finance/HomeBuying) www.military.com/Finance/HomeBuying.

South Carolina Starts Veterans' Rights Clinic
The University of South Carolina Law School has started a veterans' rights clinic for military veterans and the veterans' community. In the Spring, 2007, five law students will represent individual veterans under the supervision of a professor. For more information, visit the University of South Carolina Law School's Department of Clinical Legal Studies webpage at (http://www.law.sc.edu/clinic/) http://www.law.sc.edu/clinic/ or telephone the law school at 803-777-2278.

For more information about military law, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters) Military Legal Matters section at Military.com.

Mississippi Bill Would Educate Some Veterans' Children
A bill currently in the Mississippi state house of representatives would give children of some disabled veterans a free education at Mississippi state universities and community colleges. (http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/docume ... 0864IN.htm) House Bill 864 sponsored by Rep. John Read would provide an education for the children of veterans who are 20 percent or more disabled. The child must be under the age of 23. The bill could help Guard and Reserve soldiers whose injuries were too severe to allow them to return to their civilian jobs.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Stories Sought for Military Channel
The Military Channel is asking servicemembers across the armed forces to submit videotaped stories about their service in the global war on terrorism for broadcast on television. The Military Channel plans to use servicemember-submitted video for broadcast during nightly one-hour blocks of programming starting in early February, 2007. The dates and times have not been specified yet. Video can be in digital or taped format can be submitted online at (http://www.mywardiary.com/) www.mywardiary.com; by e-mail are (mailto:mywardiary@discovery.com) mywardiary@discovery.com; or by postal mail at Military Videos, care of Discovery Productions, 8045 Kennett Street, Silver Spring, Md. 20910. The initiative seeks to illustrate some personal stories of military service during wartime.

Disabled Veterans Take to the Slopes
Recently wounded veterans will be among 350 disabled veterans who will ski the Rocky Mountains at the 21st National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo. from April 1-6. The annual winter clinic is a rehabilitation program open to all U.S. military veterans with spinal cord injuries or disease, visual impairments, certain neurological conditions, orthopedic amputations or other disabilities, who receive care at any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facility. During the six-day program, veterans will learn adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing and be introduced to a variety of other adaptive activities and sports. For more information, visit the event's website at (http://www.va.gov/vetevent/wsc/2007/default.cfm) http://www.va.gov/vetevent/wsc/2007/default.cfm.

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Veterans Report - Week of February 12, 2007

VA Increasing Support for Medical Education
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which already helps train nearly half of the physicians in the United States, will increase its support for medical education in the 2007-2008 academic year, adding 2,000 positions for advanced residency training over the next five years. More than 31,000 medical residents and 16,000 medical students receive some of their training in VA each year. The expansion in medical education begins in July 2007 when VA adds 341 new positions.

VA Requests $87 Billion for Veterans in Budget
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson has announced that President Bush will seek a budget of nearly $87 billion in fiscal year 2008 for the Department of Veterans Affairs, with health care and disability compensation for veterans receiving the majority of the spending. The budget proposal represents an increase of $37.8 billion, or 77 percent, from the budget in effect when the President took office. The proposal calls for $42 billion in discretionary funding - mostly for health care - which is the largest amount ever requested by a president. It also would provide $45 billion in mandatory funding, mostly for compensation, pension, educational assistance, home loan guaranties and other benefit programs.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 46&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Transferable Job for Military Spouses
As a military spouse, you are challenged to find a new job every time you relocate. A career as a medical transcriptionist (MT) makes it possible to retain employment, no matter where you transfer. In the technology-driven industry of health-care documentation, medical transcription has no boundaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many medical transcriptionists telecommute from home-based offices as employees or subcontractors for hospitals and transcription services or as self-employed, independent contractors. For more information, (http://www.military.com/spouse/cf/0,,cf ... t2,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Career Center.

Social Security and Military Service
If you served in the military from 1940 through 1956, including attendance at a service academy, Social Security may credit you with $160 a month in earnings for military service from September 16, 1940, through December 31, 1956, if (1) you were honorably discharged after 90 or more days of service, or you were released because of a disability or injury received in the line of duty; or (2) you are applying for survivors benefits based on a veteran's work and the veteran died while on active duty. When you apply for Social Security benefits, you will be asked for your DD Form 214 or information about your reserve or National Guard service. For more information, visit the (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html) Military Service and Social Security website.

North Carolina Public Television Seeks Stories
UNC-TV, North Carolina's public television station, is collecting stories from World War II veterans and those who remained at home in North Carolina. Stories are already being collected on (http://www.unctv.org/wwii) UNC-TV's website. UNC-TV staff will begin taping these stories April 11 in Fayetteville, NC and will hold other recording sessions across the state throughout the rest of the year. For more information and to contribute your story, visit UNC-TV's North Carolina (http://www.unctv.org/wwii/) WWII Experience website.

VA, FBI Investigate Missing Hard Drive
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that an employee reported a government-owned, portable hard drive used by the employee at a Department facility in Birmingham, Ala. - and potentially containing personal information about some veterans - is missing and may have been stolen. On January 22, the employee at the Birmingham VA Medical Center reported that an external hard drive was missing. Pending results of the investigation, VA is prepared to send individual notifications and provide one year of free credit monitoring to those whose information proves compromised. VA will provide further updates as the investigation produces additional information.

Troops to Teachers Makes an Impact
Troops to Teachers, the program helping former military members become public school teachers, has broken the 9,500 mark in hires. Latest data shows that 9,502 teachers have been hired through the program since 1994, with Troops to Teachers represented in more than 3,000 school districts across the country. The program helps eligible military personnel begin second careers as public school teachers by providing referral assistance, placement services, and - for those electing to teach at high-need schools - financial stipends and bonuses. In addition to providing more teachers, the program is also providing the types of teachers that are in highest demand:

* 82% of teachers entering through Troops to Teachers are male, compared to 18% of all teachers.
* 37% of Troops' teachers are persons of color, compared to 15% overall.
* 46% of Troops' teachers teach sciences (biology, geology, physics, and chemistry), versus 18% overall.
* 27% are teaching math, versus 7% overall.
* 44% of Troops' teachers are teaching special education classes, compared to 19% overall.

For more information, go to (http://www.proudtoserveagain.com/) http://www.ProudtoServeAgain.com, or call 1-800-231-6242 or (850) 452-1111.


Iowa Senate Passes Package for Veterans
The Iowa State Senate has approved a $4 billion spending package that would assist veterans returning from deployment overseas. If the bill becomes state law, troops who are injured during their deployment would be eligible for grants of up to $10,000. First-time home buyers returning from deployment overseas would be eligible for grants of up to five thousand dollars each. The bill now goes to the Iowa House of Representatives for likely approval.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Spouses to Teachers Expands to the Pacific
More opportunities are now available for military spouses stationed in the Pacific and thinking about a career in public education. Effective February 1, 2007, the Spouses to Teachers program is available, offering resources and counseling to overseas military spouses interested in a professional and portable teaching career. This Department of Defense program provides counseling and guidance on state-specific certification requirements, certification options, scholarships available, and state employment resources. Up to $600 also is available via a voucher process to reimburse the costs of testing fees associated with teacher certification/licensure. To find out the details, (http://www.military.com/spouse/cf/0,,cf ... 07,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

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Our separating military program offers soldiers, company-provided training, Nationwide opportunities, outstanding pay and benefits, job stability and many (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 021207_Job) career advancement opportunities.

Coast Guard Education Technologies Expo
The Coast Guard Integrated Support Command in Alameda, Calif. will host the "Education Technologies in a Changing Environment" education fair on March 15, 2007 from 0900-1300. The education fair will feature demonstrations of PDA, IPOD, gaming software, and thumb-drive technologies for education and course delivery by leading colleges and universities. In addition several colleges and universities will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. The fair is open to all active duty, Reserve, and National Guard servicemembers in addition to veterans, military dependents, Coast Guard Auxiliarists and Navy League members. Call 1-510-437-5846 for more information.

To learn more about military education benefits, visit the Military.com (http://education.military.com/education-home/) Education Channel.

VA Secretary Touts Electronic Health Records
Speaking before the annual meeting of the Military Health Systems in Washington recently, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson said the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has "one of the most comprehensive and sophisticated electronic systems" for patient records in the nation. Patient records are available 100 percent of the time to health care workers, compared to 60 percent of the time twenty years ago when the Department relied on paper records. VA has managed to eliminate retesting patients because of missing laboratory reports, which account for about one out of every five lab tests in the private sector. The Department's health care workers currently see more than 1 million patients each week in more than 1,400 medical centers, clinics, nursing homes and other sites of care.

Find the Right Veteran-Friendly School
There are thousands of schools that can be considered military-friendly. The trick is to find the one that offers exactly what you need, in a way that fits your lifestyle. The Military.com (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ool_Finder) School Finder is a great place to start your search. It enables you to quickly search schools and request more information.

Once you have indicated your interest in a given school, an admissions counselor will contact you directly either by e-mail or phone. This will give you the opportunity to learn more about what the school has to offer. The best way to determine if a school is right for you is to (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _Questions) ask smart questions.

Passport Requirements Change
As of Jan. 23, citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda are required to present a passport to enter the United States when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere. All active duty members of the armed forces traveling with military identification will be exempt from the requirement to present a valid passport when entering the United States. Military family members, Department of Defense civilians, and DOD contractors of the U.S. military must present a valid passport. No exceptions will be made even if entering through the United States through a U.S. military base. The passport requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. For more information, visit the (https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm) Foreign Clearance Guide.

VA Launches Substance Abuse Services
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson has committed to placing 30 counselors in communities around the country to provide substance abuse counseling directly to homeless veterans. Communities receiving new counselors are: Albuquerque, N.M.; Atlanta; Baltimore; Boston; Chicago; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Columbia, S.C.; Dallas; Denver; Detroit; Houston; Gainesville, Fla.; Indianapolis; Iowa City, Iowa; Las Vegas; Little Rock, Ark.; Long Beach, Calif.; Los Angeles; Memphis, Tenn.; Miami; Milwaukee; Montrose, N.Y.;. Philadelphia; Portland, Ore.; Salisbury, N.C.; San Francisco; St. Louis; Syracuse, New York; and West Haven, Conn.

To learn more about substance abuse, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... -treatment) Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment webpage at Military.com.

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Some Veterans Are Less Sensitive to Pain
A new study reported in the January 2007 issue of the reported in the Archives of General Psychiatry has found that veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder have reduced sensitivity to pain. Researchers found that veterans with the stress disorder reported feeling less pain than their counterparts when both were exposed to the same temperatures.

To find resources for PTSD, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) PTSD webpage.

VA and FDA to Share Information
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is collaborating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to share information and expertise related to the review and use of FDA-regulated drugs, blood products, vaccines and other medical products. VA and FDA will explore ways to further enhance post-market medical product safety data collection and risk communication through more efficient inter-agency activities. The collaboration will promote efficient use of tools and expertise for risk identification, validation and analysis. All health information exchanged under the agreement will be strictly protected under federal law.

Veterans Report - Week of February 19, 2007

4 Easy Steps to Getting Your Education Benefits
Here are the 4 steps in applying for your GI Bill Benefits.

1. Find and apply to a college or university that has programs which are approved for VA training or education. If you aren't sure if a school's program is covered, the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _021907_VA) Department of Veterans Affairs can assist you.

2. Complete (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 907_VA-PDF) VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits. Your school's registrar's office usually has copies of the form on hand.

3. In most cases the school will send your application along with their paperwork to the VA Regional Processing Office with jurisdiction over the geographic area where you will train. This will expedite the process. However if you have not found a school yet, you can still apply for your VA Eligibility Determination by mailing your completed VA Form 22-1990. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 07_VA-MGIB) Click here to find the address for your VA Regional Processing Office.

4. Once you begin receiving your benefit checks (Direct Deposit) you will have to complete the Web Automated Verification of Eligibility (WAVE) each month to continue to receive your monthly benefits payments.

These four simple steps will lead to over $38,000 in education benefits -- the ones you earned! It's well worth the effort, so don't wait until it is too late, get started today. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _021907_TA) Click here to view more details and directions on each of these 4 steps.

Next Step:
If you haven't found a school that has VA-approved programs, then the best way to get started is Military.com's " (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ool_Finder) School Finder", which will help you get information from fully accredited "military friendly" colleges and universities that are VA-approved and experienced with the VA process.

Retail Pharmacy Use Targeted
Defense officials are weighing new initiatives to limit access to the TRICARE retail drug network, particularly for older beneficiaries who are using neighborhood drug outlets to get their maintenance medications. The Department of Defense wants to drive a larger proportion of 6.7 million TRICARE pharmacy users into the mail order program, which is far more efficient. Prescriptions filled by retail outlets cost TRICARE about 40 percent more than drugs obtained by mail. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,124563,00.html) read the article on the Military.com website.

To learn more about TRICARE, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) www.military.com/benefits/tricare.

VA Reopens Prescott National Cemetery
Veterans in central Arizona can now be buried at Prescott National Cemetery with the opening of a columbarium for cremation inurnments. The new columbarium provides a burial option to nearly 27,000 veterans and their dependents who were not served by an open VA national or state veterans cemetery. The $2.4 million columbarium wall on the western side of the cemetery provides 3,000 niches for cremated remains. Infrastructure improvements, including a road, sidewalks, irrigation and landscaping, were also made at the cemetery. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at (http://www.cem.va.gov/) http://www.cem.va.gov, or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

VA Update on Missing Hard Drive
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an update on the information potentially contained on a missing government-owned, portable hard drive used by a VA employee at a Department facility in Birmingham, Ala. VA and VA?s Office of Inspector General have learned that data files the employee was working with may have included sensitive VA-related information on approximately 535,000 individuals. VA is operating a call center that individuals can contact to get information about this incident. That toll-free number is 1-877-894-2600. The call center will operate every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST as long as it is needed.

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23 More VA Vet Centers Coming
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) vet center program, which provides readjustment counseling and outreach services to combat veterans, is expanding into 23 new communities across the nation in the next two years. New vet centers will open in Montgomery, Ala.; Fayetteville, Ark.; Modesto, Calif.; Grand Junction, Colo.; Orlando, Fort Myers, and Gainesville, Fla.; Macon, Ga.; Manhattan, Kan.; Baton Rouge, La.; Cape Cod, Mass.; Saginaw and Iron Mountain, Mich.; Berlin, N.H.; Las Cruces, N.M.; Binghamton, Middletown, Nassau County and Watertown, N.Y.; Toledo, Ohio; Du Bois, Penn.; Killeen, Texas; and Everett, Wash. during 2007 and 2008. All vet centers provide counseling on mental health and employment, plus services on family issues, education, bereavement and outreach, to combat veterans and their families.

To learn more about veteran benefits, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits.

Veterans Seek Fort Ord Cemetery
Veterans in California are stepping up their efforts to raise money for construction of a long-planned cemetery on old Fort Ord property. At least $4 million is needed to move ahead with a grant application for federal construction of the cemetery, according to the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery Foundation. The group has collected more than $50,000 so far. A cemetery on the old Fort Ord property would reduce travel time for the survivors who want to visit their loved ones graves. Currently, the closest veterans cemetery is a two-hour drive away. For more information, visit the (http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/cemetery/) Central Coast Veterans Cemetery Foundation's website.

National Veterans Golden Age Games
The National Veterans Golden Age Games are the only national multi-event sports and recreational seniors' competition program designed to improve the quality of life for older veterans. Activities include swimming, bicycling, golf, shot put, discus, 10-meter air rifle, table tennis, dominoes, shuffleboard, horseshoes, nine-ball, bowling, checkers and croquet. Each event has seven age categories for participation. Veterans with visual impairments and those who use wheelchairs may also compete in the visually impaired or wheelchair divisions at the annual event. Registration for the National Veterans Golden Age Games is now open online at (http://www.veteransgoldenagegames.org/) www.veteransgoldenagegames.org. The final day to register is June 1, 2007.

VA, States Partner to Help Injured Veterans
The Department of Affairs (VA) announced the expansion of a collaborative outreach program with all states and territories to help severely injured servicemembers receive benefits when they move from military hospitals to VA medical facilities in their communities. Called "State Benefits Seamless Transition Program," the initiative involves VA staff located at 10 Department of Defense medical facilities. They will identify injured military members who will be transferred to VA facilities. VA staff will contact state veterans affairs offices on behalf of the veterans. The state offices, in turn, will contact the veterans to inform them about state benefits for them and dependent family members.

To find career resources for the severely injured, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/support) Severely Injured Career Center.

The Semi Annual Military Job Fair of Virginia
The Military Affairs Council of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce invites you to participate in our semi-annual Military Job Fair scheduled for Thursday, April 19, 2007. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Hampton Roads convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, Virginia.

We are now in our 20th year of conducting semi-annual job fairs. In excess of 2,500 job seekers and 135 companies from throughout the nation attended our October 2006 Job Fair enabling these companies to identify and recruit outstanding people.

The Armed Forces Job Fair is open to active-duty & retired military members, reserves, DOD civilians, those recently separated from the military and their dependents.

To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Career Center.

Uniformed Services Family Health Plan
The Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP) is a TRICARE Prime option available to active-duty dependents, retirees and retiree family members through not-for-profit health-care systems in six areas of the United States. By using USFHP you get the TRICARE Prime program benefits, plus premium advantages and features at no extra cost. For information about eligibility, visit the (http://www.usfhp.com/portal/faq.asp?s=76) USFHP website and the (http://www.tricare.mil/faqs/) TRICARE website. You may enroll in the USFHP at any time during the year by completing an application for the provider in your area. To download an application and learn more, please visit the (http://www.usfamilyhealthplan.org/) USFHP website.

To learn more about TRICARE, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) www.military.com/benefits/tricare.

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New Resource for Veterans With Mesothelioma
A new website was debuted recently that is designed to help veterans with Mesothelioma gain Veterans Administration benefits. VAclaim.org is a free service to veterans and also includes a national, toll-free telephone number that veterans can all anytime -- 800-935-9941. For more information, (http://vaclaim.org/) visit the website.

Veterans Report - Week of February 26, 2007

DoD Again Sharing Medical Data with VA
In September of last year, VA medical professionals at its four Polytrauma Centers gained access to a DoD medical database, known as the Joint Patient Tracking Application (JPTA). VA's Polytrauma doctors found the information extremely helpful at providing the appropriate continuum of care, especially when treating brain injuries. But several weeks ago, Department of Defense stopped providing the data while VA and DoD negotiated a legal agreement on sharing patient data, a situation that could have become life-threatening to some seriously wounded servicemembers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and receiving care from VA. Last week, DoD officials returned access to VA's medical professionals.

Veterans Organizations Plan Rally
Three veterans organizations are urging their members to rally in Washington, D.C. on March 17, 2007, to protect the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) from antiwar protesters. Billed as a protest marking the fourth anniversary of the start of the Iraq war's start and the 40th anniversary of a large march on the Pentagon against the Vietnam War, the March 17 event will commence near the memorial and end at the Pentagon. Protest organizers expect a large turnout. The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Rolling Thunder and other veterans groups are promising to form a protective ring around the Wall, which they consider hallowed ground. For more information, visit the Rolling Thunder website at (http://www.rollingthunder1.com/) http://www.rollingthunder1.com/.

Resolution Creates Medal of Honor Day
A resolution passed recently by the U.S. Senate designates March 25, 2007 as "National Medal of Honor Day." The day is set aside to acknowledge the more than 3,400 individuals who have received the nation's highest honor. According the Medal of Honor Society, there are presently only 111 living individuals who have received the Medal of Honor. For more information, visit the (http://www.homeofheroes.com/moh/history/day.html) Home of Heroes website and the (http://www.cmohs.org/) Congressional Medal of Honor Society website.

Peanut Butter Warning Issued
In the wake of a national Salmonella outbreak, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises consumers not to eat any Peter Pan peanut butter purchased since May 2006. FDA also continues to advise consumers not to eat any Great Value peanut butter purchased since May 2006 with product codes beginning with the numbers "2111" on the jar lid. All such products should be thrown out. If consumers cannot find a number on the jar lid or are unsure, the safest thing to do is to discard the product. For more information, visit the (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseasei ... notice.htm) Center for Disease Control's Salmonellosis - Outbreak Investigation, February 2007 webpage.

Featured Job: Right Company with the Right Opportunity
Looking for an opportunity to apply the skills you developed in the military with a company that will recognize you for your performance? (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 022607_Job) Schneider is the right place for you.

Many Veterans Get out of Debt by Refinancing
Many Veterans find it financially impossible to pay their bills and mortgage. By refinancing your home, you "free up" additional funds that can be used to pay off debts ranging from credit card bills to student loans and personal loans. If you're drowning in debt and need help, refinancing can help you. To learn more about refinancing, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... efinancing) request free information today.

Troops to Teachers Adds New Program
The Troops to Teachers' new Hire in Advance Program, which has launched in Las Vegas, Denver, and Newark, N.J., guarantees teaching jobs for eligible military up to three years before they retire or separate from active duty. Troops who qualify for the Hire in Advance program can send in applications and interview with school officials, who can officially hire them up to three years before they leave active duty. The Troops to Teachers and the Hire in Advance Program are both open to military spouses as well. For more information, visit (http://www.proudtoserveagain.com/) http://www.proudtoserveagain.com/.

To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Career Center.

Military Spouses: Get Free Career Coaching
A new, free service has been added to the Military Spouse Career Center at (http://www.military.com/Spouse) www.Military.com/Spouse. Eligible military spouses worldwide in need of job search support can now take advantage of free career coaching provided by IMPACT Group, a St. Louis-based global career management firm. To learn more about this service, visit (http://www.military.com/spouse/cf/0,,cf ... 07,00.html) http://www.military.com/spouse/cf/0,,cf ... 07,00.html.

Continuing Resolution Adds to VA Budget
A continuing budget resolution was recently passed in the U.S. Senate which adds $3.55 billion to VA's budget for 2007. Of that, nearly $600 million will go for the medical treatment of those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The budget projects that an estimated 5.6 million patients will be served by VA in 2007. Of those, an estimated 209,000 veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are expected to show up for at least one medical care service from VA in 2007.

South Dakota Home Program Helps Veterans
Thanks to a waiver being offered by the South Dakota Housing Development Authority's First-Time Homebuyer Program, discharged U.S. military veterans can still use the program even if they have previously owned a home. In addition to the waiver, discharged or released veterans can use a Veteran's Administration loan to pay for 100 percent of the down payment costs affiliated with the purchase of a home, or any of the other loan types available to them. For more information, visit the (http://www.sdhda.org/) South Dakota Housing Development Authority website. For more information on VA loans and other military benefits, visit Military.com's (http://www.militarybenefits.com/) Military Benefits website.

Technology Screens for Diabetic Eye Disease
Many veterans with diabetes are getting initial screening for possible eye disease during their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care appointments thanks to a national tele-retinal imaging program now in place at the majority of VA hospitals and clinics. This new procedure, which screens patients for diabetic retinopathy, does not take the place of a dilated eye exam. The images taken of the retina at the clinics are sent to an image reading center, where an eye care specialist determines the need for further care. Diabetes is one target of a major VA program called MOVE ( (http://www.move.va.gov/) www.move.va.gov) - for "Managing Overweight Veterans Everywhere" - which is designed to reduce the high rates of illness caused by obesity.

Search Military Scholarships
While looking for money for school many servicemembers, veterans, and their families tend to overlook the over $300 million of military - and veteran - related scholarships and grants. The reason many go unclaimed is because servicemembers don't know where to look. Fortunately, there is a great online resource to help you find the scholarship and learn how, where, and when to apply. Visit the Military.com's (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... hip_Finder) Scholarship Finder today and get started on your way to finding free money for school. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... holarships) Click here to get three quick tips to help your search.

Ohio Relief Fund Aids Wounded Veterans
An option on Ohio income tax forms will help some of the state's wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan with medical expenses. The newly created Military Injured Relief Fund allows taxpayers to donate all or part of their state refund by designating an amount on line 27 of the 1040 tax form or line 19 on the 1040EZ. The fund will begin awarding grants to wounded Ohio veterans this summer. Applications will be available at county Veterans Service Offices after July 1, 2007. Information about the Military Injury Relief Fund can be obtained by contacting the Veteran Services Unit of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services at 1-888-296-7541 and selecting Option 5. Or you can go to the Ohio Department of Taxation's website at (http://www.tax.ohio.gov/) www.tax.ohio.gov.

New VA Center Serves Amputees
The VA's new Functional Outcomes Research and Evaluation Center, part of the Miami VA Medical Center, has an eight-week program to assess the physical skills and movements of amputee patients. The new facility has built a research and rehabilitation laboratory in partnership with its physical and occupation therapy department. Ensuring that new devices and technology work in the real world is a prime goal of VA's rehabilitation research, according to Robert Gailey, a physical therapist of the Miami VA Healthcare System, who designed the local project. Gailey consults with the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and helped design the amputee rehabilitation program there for servicemembers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bill Introduced to Increase Life Insurance Coverage
U.S. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Senator Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, has introduced legislation that would increase the amount of supplemental life insurance available for totally disabled veterans. The Disabled Veterans Insurance Improvement Act of 2007 would increase the coverage available by $20,000, making a total of $50,000 of life insurance available to totally disabled veterans. Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance (S-DVI) was established during the Korean War to provide life insurance to veterans with service-connected disabilities through a $10,000 benefit (totally disabled veterans are eligible for waiver of premiums on this benefit). This amount has never been increased.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 21&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Deal of the Week: Talk in Style Free
For a limited time, get a free ultra slim Motorola L6 quad-band world phone. Comes with digital camera, 4x zoom, Bluetooth speakerphone. Plus get $25 for accessories. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 22607_Deal) Shop Cingular 24/7.

Hearing on Equity for Filipino Veterans
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, led by Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), recently held a hearing on (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9423936) H.R. 760, "The Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007." Filipino servicemembers played a critical role in the U.S. victory in the Pacific during World War II, serving under the direct command of General Douglas Mac Arthur. In 1946, Congress mandated that Filipino soldiers would not to be considered active military for the purposes of veterans' benefits. "The Rescission Acts of 1946 took away rightfully earned benefits and the honor and respect due these veterans who served our country," said Chairman Filner. "I am hoping that the 110th Congress will finally correct the injustice inflicted on Filipino veterans over 60 years ago."

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Veterans Report - Week of March 05, 2007

Top 3 Education Questions for Veterans
1. With so many Diploma Mills around, how can I judge the quality of an online education program?

You can't judge an online school by their campus. Many nationally accredited colleges and universities offer only distance learning and online programs. This means they don't need a fancy college campus to deliver a quality education. (http://education.military.com/timesavin ... -questions) Click here to learn two steps to judge an online program.

2. How does a school determine how many credits to give me for my military experience and training?

College credit for military experience is determined by the American Council on Education (ACE). ACE evaluates hundreds of military courses, schools, MOSs and ratings each year. Each ACE evaluation includes a curriculum description, course length, dates and recommended credits listed for both upper (bachelor's) and lower (associate) levels. (http://education.military.com/timesavin ... -questions) More.

3. What is the difference between semester hours and quarter hours? Does a two-year degree actually take two years?

Many new students have questions about the academic terms and language of college education. (http://education.military.com/timesavin ... -questions) Click here to see a list of terms, definitions and examples to help remove the language barrier. We like to call it College 101.

Next Step:
If you haven't found a school that has VA-approved programs, then the best way to get started is Military.com's " (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ool_Finder) School Finder," which will help you get information from fully accredited "military friendly" colleges and universities that are VA-approved and experienced with the VA process.

Veterans to Commemorate Battle for Iwo Jima
Veterans and military enthusiasts will visit Guam March 10-16 to commemorate the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle for Iwo Jima and the 65th Anniversary Tour of Guam. Most of the visitors will be from the United States. While on Guam, the group will tour the island's many historical sites from World War II, including Asan Beach and the Asan Overlook, the COMNAVMAR - Museum, the War Dog Memorial, Andersen Air Force Base, and other historical sites. For more historical information, visit the Department of Defense's (http://www.defenselink.mil/home/feature ... index.html) Battle for Iwo Jima website.

For more information about the Iwo Jima Anniversary, view the (http://images.military.com/IwoJima/IwoJima.htm) Iwo Jima Anniversary Slideshow at Military.com.

Bonuses Announced for Navy Intelligence
The Navy has announced new bonus programs for incoming Sailors who join the Reserves as an intelligence specialist (IS). Eligible Sailors can earn sign-up bonuses, while officer candidates can earn a salary and get money for college while in school. Bonuses now top $20,000 for a nonprior service recruit or Navy veteran who signs a six-year contract as an intelligence specialist 2nd or 3rd class. Reenlistment bonuses equal $15,000 for six years and $7,500 for three years. Navy veterans leaving active duty get two years deferment before they are eligible for deployment and may be entitled to bonuses when they join the Reserves. For more information, visit (http://www.navyreserveintelligence.com/) www.navyreserveintelligence.com.

To find complete information on current cash enlistment incentives (signing bonuses) and reenlistment bonuses offered by each of the Armed Forces, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/recruiting/bonus-center/) Bonus Center.

Feature Job: RIGHT Company with the RIGHT Opportunity
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POW Benefits Act Introduced
Congressman (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=1302&lvl=C&chamber=H) Gus Bilirakis (R-Palm Harbor) proudly announces the introduction of (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9457951) H.R. 1197, the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 76&type=CO) Prisoners of War (POW) Benefits Act. H.R. 1197 establishes presumptions for disability compensation for several diseases, including Type II Diabetes and Osteoporosis. This will allow former POWs to claim these disabilities as service-connected and qualify them for disability compensation. Additionally, this legislation establishes a system by which the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) can determine future presumption conditions for former POWs. Under H.R. 1197, the VA Secretary would have to review the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War and all other sound medical and scientific information and analysis available to him when making these determinations. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,127488,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 76&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!


VA Announces Spending for Homeless Programs
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a $24 million spending package for programs benefiting homeless veterans. The Department is committing $10 million to support about 1,000 new transitional housing beds nationwide, $12 million for seriously mentally ill veterans, terminally ill veterans and similarly vulnerable groups, and $2 million for other programs. VA proposes to spend more then $265 million on specialized homeless assistance in FY 2007. For more information, visit the (http://www.va.gov/) VA website or contact VA's Homeless Veterans Programs Office at (202) 273-5764, or e-mail VA at (mailto:homelessvets@mail.va.gov) homelessvets@mail.va.gov.

To learn about Homeless Veterans Programs, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... s-programs) Benefits Channel.

Senate Hearings on Injured Servicemember Care
The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduling hearings next month in response to recent stories regarding injured service members receiving substandard care, inadequate housing, and administrative delays due to excessive government "red-tape" at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Also many on Capitol Hill have expressed concern about a lack of psychological counseling for patients and their families. At issue is the need for adequate mandatory funding for Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care for veterans, servicemembers, reservists, military retirees and their families.

This is your opportunity to let your voice be heard. (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) Tell your representatives how you feel about this issue!

New Reporting Requirements for Individual Ready Reserves
Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) Sailors have new reporting requirements that call for an annual muster and verification of civilian employment information (CEI). By law, IRR members can be ordered to muster without consent and be required to perform a minimum of two hours of duty during that muster. The new rules also specify that IRR members must also report to the Navy about their civilian employment. The Website for reporting initial and updated CEI is at (https://www.esgr.org/) https://www.esgr.org. Required entries include the member's employment status, employer's name, employer's mailing address, employee's work title, and the total years experience in that occupation.

Deal of the Week: 10% US Naval Institute Photo Archive
The (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 30507_Deal) Naval Institute not only has the preeminent collection of photography of sea services people and equipment, but since 1873 it has been our mission exclusively to honor the traditions and sacrifice of sea service professionals.

Organization Trains Dogs for Injured Veterans
Patriot PAWS Service Dogs is a non-profit organization located in Texas that trains and provides service dogs for disabled United States Veterans and others with mobile disabilities. The objective is to restore many of the physical and emotional freedoms which have been compromised due to someone's physical disabilities. The Patriot Paws program charges veterans $1,500, but typically take a year to train a service dog at a cost of cost of $12,000 to $20,000 including food, veterinary bills and the trainers' time. For more information, visit the (http://www.patriotpaws.org/) Patriot PAWS Service Dogs website.

To find career resources for the severely injured, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/support) Severely Injured Career Center.

VA Awards Contract for Rock Island Cemetery
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a construction contract for more than $10 million to a Chicago contractor to expand the Rock Island, Ill., National Cemetery, which will provide more than 7,000 gravesites, including casket gravesites, pre-placed crypts and a columbarium for cremation remains. VA expects construction to be completed by late 2008. For information on the Rock Island National Cemetery, call the cemetery office at (309) 782-2094. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at (http://www.cem.va.gov/) http://www.cem.va.gov, or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

To learn about military memorial benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Benefits Channel.

VA Strengthens Partnership with Olympic Committee
To improve competitive sporting opportunities for physically disabled veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is strengthening its partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC). "For physically disabled veterans interested in representing the United States in Paralympic sports competition, that means receiving world-class training in facilities operated by the U.S. Olympic Committee," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. More than 400 physically disabled veterans are scheduled to take part in a wide range of winter sports during the 21st National (http://www1.va.gov/vetevent/wsc/2007/default.cfm) Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colo., from April 1-6. Another 500 disabled veterans are expected to show up in Milwaukee from June 19-23 for the 27th (http://www1.va.gov/vetevent/nvwg/2007/default.cfm) National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

Register for the Military.com Career Fair in Chicago
Military.com Career Fair is coming to Chicago on March 12, 2007. This event will feature up to 50 top employers who are seeking the valuable skills you learned in service to your country. You can also attend employment workshops focused on helping you leverage your military experience in the civilian job market. Every attendee will receive a free copy of the Veteran Career Guide full of tips on how to interview, translate your military skills, evaluate potential employers and more. The event is Monday, March 12th from 11am to 3pm at the Hyatt Regency Chicago -- 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... areer_Fair) Register here.

Blue Star Mothers Support Troops
Some homes display a unique flag that signifies a family's support of a son's or daughter's service in the military. Those banners represent an old tradition and are part of Blue Star Mothers of America Inc., a patriotic organization that traces its roots back to World War I, when mothers displayed flags decorated with stars signifying the number of offspring serving in the military. Blue Star Mothers chapters routinely send care packages, including cakes and cookies, to support U.S. troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the war against terrorism. For more information, visit the (http://www.bluestarmothers.org/) Blue Star Mothers of America website.

Looking for ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom? Go to the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Content/MoreCon ... ort_troops) Support our Troops webpage to learn more.

Keylogging is a Clear-Cut Danger
A small but insidious program hidden within a computer's files or memory or tucked away inside an add-on device can tell the world everything you are doing on your computer. This program, called a keylogger, records every keystroke the computer user makes. The data obtained by keylogging could make its way to an identity thief or end up in an enemy's computer. Soldiers, family members and Department of the Army civilian employees can download free commercial antivirus and firewall software from (http://www.army.mil/ako/) AKO that will protect their home computers.

Veterans Report - Week of March 12, 2007

Freedom Team Salute Commendations
The mission of Freedom Team Salute is to honor veterans and provide Soldiers the opportunity to recognize those who support them. The program allows all Army veterans to receive a commendation package and provides active-duty, Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers the opportunity to nominate their parents and spouses for a commendation. Guard and Reserve Soldiers can also nominate their employers. All material is provided at no cost. Freedom Team Salute Commendations consist of a certificate of appreciation, a personalized letter of thanks from the Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff and an official U.S. Army pin. To honor someone with a Freedom Team Salute Commendation visit, (http://www.freedomteamsalute.com/) http://www.freedomteamsalute.com.

VA Guaranteed Home Loan
A VA-guaranteed loan is a loan made by private lenders (such as banks, savings & loans, or mortgage companies) to eligible veterans. If you want to purchase or refinance a home, condominium or manufactured home, the VA can guarantee up to $417,000 of the total loan -- much higher than you can get with most conventional home loans. Better yet, there is no need to worry about financing a down payment on a VA loan. However certain funding fees and closing costs apply, and you must be able pay a portion of these fees upfront. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 07_VA_Loan) Click here to read more about the VA Guaranteed Home Loan.

First Step:
Save time and get piece of mind by requesting free information from lenders approved by Military.com. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 07_VA_Loan) Start now.

Transferable Job for Military Spouses
As a military spouse, you are challenged to find a new job every time you relocate. A career as a medical transcriptionist (MT) makes it possible to retain employment, no matter where you transfer. In the technology-driven industry of health-care documentation, medical transcription has no boundaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many medical transcriptionists telecommute from home-based offices as employees or subcontractors for hospitals and transcription services or as self-employed, independent contractors. For more information, (http://www.military.com/spouse/cf/0,,cf ... t2,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Career Center.

Veterans Upward Bound Program at Western Kentucky
The (http://www.wku.edu/vub/) Veterans Upward Bound Program at Western Kentucky University is a federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Education to help U.S. military veterans enter into and succeed in postsecondary school. VUB is a non-profit program serving veterans from an eleven county area surrounding Bowling Green, Kentucky and COSTS NOTHING for those who participate. For more information, call (270) 745-5310 or contact Veterans Upward Bound, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11098, Bowling Green 42101-1098.

To learn more about the Veterans Upward Bound Program, visit the Military.com (http://education.military.com/timesavin ... -bound-vub) Education Channel.

Post-911 Veterans Educational Assistance Act
The "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007" ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9244661) S.22) is designed to provide veterans with a level of educational benefits identical to those provided to servicemembers at the end of World War II.

The new benefits package included in Webb's legislation (S.22) would include coverage of tuition, room and board, and a monthly stipend of $1,000. Existing law - known as the Montgomery GI Bill - provides financial support of up to $800 per month for veterans' educational expenses, but does not necessarily cover the full cost of higher education or career training. In addition, existing law requires participating servicemembers to pay $1,200 in their first year of service in order to qualify for the benefit. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... cation_Act) Read the full article here.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 71&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Military-Friendly School Finder
Ease the stress and time commitment when looking for a school. Search the Military.com database to find a school that matches your education needs. No pressure, just straight recommendations to help you take the first step. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ool_Finder) Start now.

Military Health Survey Enrollment
The Millennium Cohort Study at the Naval Health Research Center is launching its third enrollment effort. They will be contacting nearly 300,000 service members encouraging them to fill out the 2007 survey. The study will monitor the health of more than 150,000 members who served in all branches US military, making this the largest prospective military health study in the history of the United States armed forces! The survey will include active duty, veteran, and military retiree participants. This effort will span more than 20 years, and participants will be surveyed every three years, for self-reported health data.

The results of this important study have far-reaching potential and will shape policy on military service benefits and health care for years to come. Study information and documents are available for viewing at the (http://www.millenniumcohort.org/) Millennium Cohort website.

VA Chooses Site for Orlando Hospital
Plans have been finalized to build a new hospital for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on Lake Nona Boulevard in the city of Orlando making VA's acute care, complex specialty care and advanced diagnostic services available for inpatients in east central Florida. More than 90,000 veterans already enrolled in VA health care will directly benefit from the location. Scheduled to open in 2012, the complex will include a 134-bed hospital, a 120-bed nursing home, a 60-bed domiciliary, an outpatient clinic, a veterans benefits office to help veterans with financial benefits and parking.

To learn more about veteran health care, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

Bill to Expand Disabled Vets' Sports Program
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=241&lvl=C&chamber=H) Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) announced a bill that would expand the scope of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) disabled veterans' sports programs in cooperation with the U.S. Olympic Committee and U.S. Paralympics. "Today, I have introduced H.R. 1370 to build on VA's Special Events Program that includes the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and the Winter Sports Clinic. VA cosponsors these two events with the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Disabled American Veterans. They are wonderful examples of how sports contribute to the lives of disabled veterans," Buyer said while meeting with officials from the U.S. Paralympics. "This bill directs VA to expand the scope of their current agreement with the USOC and provides funding to offset some of the costs associated with disabled veteran participation in sporting events sponsored by the USOC and U.S. Paralympics," Buyer said. To learn more about this bill, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,127799,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 76&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

New Collection at the Veteran's History Project
The Veterans History Project is celebrating Women's History Month with " (http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/) Women at War". The 12 fully digitized collections to the Project's "Experiencing War" Web series covers four wars, beginning with World War II - the first conflict which American women appeared in uniform in all branches of the armed forces. To date, more than 45,000 individuals have submitted stories to the Veterans History Project, and 3,900 of those stories can be accessed online at (http://www.loc.gov/vets) www.loc.gov/vets. To become involved in the Veterans History Project, download a project how-to kit from the Veterans History Project website at (http://www.loc.gov/vets) www.loc.gov/vets, or call the toll-free message line at (888) 371-5848.

Military Spouses: Get Free Career Coaching
A new, free service has been added to the Military Spouse Career Center at (http://www.military.com/Spouse) www.Military.com/Spouse. Eligible military spouses worldwide in need of job search support can now take advantage of free career coaching provided by IMPACT Group, a St. Louis-based global career management firm. To register for this free service, visit (http://www.military.com/careercoach) www.military.com/careercoach.

Free Legal Services for Some Connecticut Veterans
Disabled veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and who have been denied benefits may be able to obtain free legal help from about a dozen members of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. The Connecticut volunteer lawyers will work in conjunction with the national Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program. For more information, disabled veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and are appealing to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims are asked to write to the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, 100 Wells St., Hartford, CT 06103 or call them at 860-522-4345. Information concerning The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program and how to apply for representation can be found at (http://www.vetsprobono.org/) www.vetsprobono.org.

To learn more about military legal matters, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters) www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters.

VA Concentrating on Traumatic Brain Injury
At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the latest innovations for treating traumatic brain injury (TBI) in combat veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan includes mandatory TBI training for all VA health care professionals, screening all recent combat vets for TBI and creating an outside panel of experts to review VA's TBI services. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused without any visible injuries when explosives jar the brain inside the skull. Symptoms can range from headaches, irritability, and sleep disorders to memory problems and depression. All combat veterans have access to free health care from VA for two years after their separation from service. For more information on traumatic brain injury, visit (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm) http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm.

To learn more about veteran health care, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Trainers Sought
Stars and Stripes reports that American Red Cross officials in Europe are seeking volunteers who wish to become trainers of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid due shortages of instructors. People trained in the old way of cardiopulmonary resuscitation should become retrained on new methods that were recently instituted. There is an increased need for trainers and students due to the new methods recommended by the American Medical Association and the continuing turnover in members of the military community. For more information on the new CPR method visit the (http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content ... uppl/IV-12) American Heart Association's webpages on (http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content ... uppl/IV-19) CPR and Basic Life Support.

Panel Vows Broad Examination of Military Hospitals
The Bush administration must examine all military and veterans' hospitals to see where the system has failed, one of the leaders of the presidential commission to investigate the problems said Sunday. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=20004&lvl=F) President Bush last week announced he had ordered a comprehensive review of conditions at military and veterans' hospitals, which have been overwhelmed by injured troops from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The review came in the wake of disclosures of poor outpatient health care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, one of the nation's premier facilities for wounded members of the military. Co-chairman Bob Dole, the former Kansas senator, said more money may not be the answer. "We want to take a look and see where the problems are and see if it can be fixed. It may not need more money," he said. "It just may need clarification or somehow better coordination between the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration.

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No Help on TRICARE Hikes
Representing more than 30 service associations, The Military Coalition (TMC) leaders appeared before the congressionally-created task force like a steel wall of opposition to plans to raise TRICARE fees, co-payments or deductibles. Their new theme for deflecting higher fees is that retiree premiums have been "paid in full" by retirees "through decades of arduous service and sacrifice." Five coalition witnesses presented now familiar arguments for rejecting higher fees, including that Defense officials have failed to act on a host of alternative cost-saving moves. But the coalition also had new arguments. Joseph L. Barnes, the other TMC co-chairman and National Executive Secretary of the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), presented five healthcare cost "principles" the coalition supports. Rick Jones, legislative director of the National Association for Uniformed Services, a coalition member, put the task force itself on the defensive, citing widespread concern that it had been "hand selected" by Defense officials to endorse steep TRICARE fee increases. To learn more about this issue, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,127880,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

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VA to Expand Fort Snelling National Cemetery
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a construction contract to expand the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Approximately 25,000 gravesites will be developed on 60 acres, including graves with pre-placed crypts, and a columbarium for cremation remains. The expansion will also include renovations and additions to the administration building, public information building and maintenance facility. VA expects construction to be completed by late 2009. Information on VA burial benefits is available at (http://www.cem.va.gov/) http://www.cem.va.gov, or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. For information on the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, call the cemetery office at (612) 726-1127.

To learn more about burial and memorial benefits, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial.

VA to Open Outpatient Clinic on Lanai
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will open a new outpatient clinic for veterans on the island of Lanai in Hawaii. The new facility will replace most outpatient care now provided under contract to veterans by the Lanai Community Hospital. VA will continue to purchase care from the hospital for certain inpatient and some outpatient services. Telemedicine, the use of telecommunications technology to provide health care from distant locations, will link the clinic to additional services at other VA clinics and hospitals.

To learn more about veteran health care, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.